Closure shock for drivers at theft-hit Mike Spence
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By Joar Bourke DRIVERS AT Warrington-based haulier Mike Spence, which has been the victim of three thefts in the past nine months, say they are unsure about their future after the BBC reported that the firm had closed ('Haulier at 'rock bottom' after third robbery', CM 4 June).
An HGV driver at the firm tells CM that staff were only made aware the business was shut after owner Mike Spence appeared on BBC television news talking about the effect of thefts on his business.
At the end of the 30 July report, the BBC said the company had since closed. -Myself and five drivers were all out working, and when a colleague saw the news, it was the first thing any of us had heard about the closure,says the employee. "This has come out of the blue."
The employee says he was told by the transport manager on 31 July to come in on Tuesday 4 August for a meeting, but when he arrived the premises were shut.
"No one is answering the phone, so we don't know what's going on. I'm owed approximately £2,000 in wages, including holiday pay. and I am now out of work."
CM has tried, without success, to contact Spence over the past three weeks. The last abbreviated unaudited accounts for the group, which have been filed at Companies House reveal net liabilities of £128,039 from 20 December 2006 to 31 December 2007 United Road Transport Union (URTU) northern regional officer Mike 13illingham says the first port of call for the drivers is to contact the Employment Tribunal, which is free of charge, and help will be offered to them.
Meanwhile, Cheshire Police confirm that on 30 June, a man was tarrested on suspicion of burglary a at the firm's site between 26-29 EJune. He has been bailed by police until a date later this year pending further enquiries.