Pierse staff launch tribunal claims against parent company

Furious Pierse staff have launched a string of employment tribunal claims against the contractor's Irish parent company.

Pierse's UK operations were closed down last month. But the 60 staff were only officially made redundant last week.

A creditors' meeting will be held on 1 June after both Pierce's northern and southern divisions in the UK are formally placed in liquidation.

Ex-Pierce workers are angry at the way the closure has been handled and are now claiming for loss of wages and potential breaches of employment legislation.

Staff were still working last month until the day before their wages were due to be paid into the bank.

One ex-worker said: "We have been treated with contempt. The day before we were due to get paid for the month we were called into the boardroom and told to go home.

"We're out of pocket for a month's wages and the site workers lost a week's money. It was totally cynical."

The workers were left in limbo over their employment status until last week when letters were sent out by Pierse confirming they are now redundant.

The letter stated: "There are no funds available to pay you any outstanding wages, holiday pay, redundancy pay etc."

Another worker said: "I know of at least 15 people so far who have lodged Employment Tribunal claims for outstanding pay and lack of consultation.

"We will take action against Pierse in Ireland because that's where the main HR office is and where all the instructions came from.

"The way we have been treated is totally disgraceful."

Pierse HR manager Matthew O'Dowd said: "A creditors meeting has been set for 1 June and the staff will become preferred creditors."