Dozens of staff who lost their jobs at Shropshire’s Merrythought teddy bear factory face further misery after it was revealed today that they they will not receive their redundancy money before Christmas.
The 48 staff - mostly women, including many with children - were made redundant nearly a month ago when the Ironbridge family firm announced it was ceasing production with immediate effect.
Many of the workers are still owed outstanding wages.
But officials at the Department of Trade and Industry today confirmed to the company’s administrators, who are handling the claims, they would not be processed until the new year.
Employees said the news meant a cloud would be hanging over Christmas for them.
Liz Titley, from Sutton Hill, Telford, is unemployed after 10 years with Merrythought.
The 32-year-old said: “I have not received any money from the Government or anything. And it was a bad time for this to come.
“I will be seeing family over Christmas, which is the important thing, but this has changed things.
“I am looking forward to it, but you just can’t do what you wanted to.
“You can’t really go out and enjoy yourself.”
Jo Bridgwater, from Aqueduct, Telford, worked at the factory for 22 years.
She has her 18-year-old daughter Karla’s birthday tomorrow as well as Christmas to prepare for.
“It would have been fantastic if the money had been paid out before, although I hadn’t held out much hope,” said Mrs Bridgwater, 41.
Caroline Smith, from administrators Heathcote & Coleman, said she was told today the outstanding wages and redundancy and holiday pay would not be paid until the new year. “This is very sad news, we had done everything we could to get the money paid as soon as possible,” she said.
“It is disappointing and a terrible time of year for people to be in this situation.”
Mrs Smith delivered confirmation of the company’s liquidation directly to the Department of Trade and Industry on December 14.
She and former managing director Oliver Holmes had hoped the claims could be processed in time for Christmas. Mr Holmes, who still owns the factory, is currently deciding on the building’s future.
By Dave West
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