Usdaw seeks compensation for Dairy Farmers of Britain producers

Usdaw has lodged a protective award* claim on behalf of all its members at Dairy Farmers of Britain, after receivers, PricewaterhouseCoopers, closed the dairies in June without consultation, making hundreds of staff redundant.

If the claim is successful the Employment Tribunal has the power to award redundant staff compensation of up to 90 days’ pay.

The union has also lobbied the Government to come down harder on receivers who appear to have little regard for the law, by requiring them to contribute to the protective award costs.

John Gorle, Usdaw National Officer, said:

"We are disgusted with the actions of PricewaterhouseCoopers, who made hundreds of hard-working staff redundant at the drop of a hat, despite the legal requirement that they engage in at least 90 day’s consultation with staff and their representatives.

"The receivers also failed to give notice to Usdaw, as they are legally required to do, putting us on the back foot and leaving us with no option but to pursue PricewaterhouseCoopers retrospectively.

"Our members deserve to be treated with respect, to be kept informed of changes which affect them and to be paid that which they are owed. We will fight in the courts for justice for all our members at Dairy Farmers of Britain.

"We will also step up our lobbying of Government in order to make receivers face up to their legal obligations, especially at this time of economic downturn, when so many companies are facing administration."