Staff made redundant from Boalloy Fastruck Bodies, the firm bought by transport icon Edward Stobart, claim they have been left thousands of pounds out of pocket on holiday, consultation and notice pay.
Ex-employees have contacted Commercial Motor to say they have been forced to take advice from lawyers and independent arbitration body ACAS in an effort to claw back money they believe they are owed because the company is not responding to their calls.
Following a meeting on 19 May, about 35 staff received a letter from chairman Stobart stating: "We anticipate the appointment of legal advisers either later this week or early next week who will assist you as individuals with any claims for redundancy, notice and outstanding holiday pay. They will make contact with you directly."
But more than nine weeks on workers say they are no closer to knowing when they will be paid.
One, Kevin Lawton, worked at the company for 35 years, and says he's owed more than £10,000: "To say we are disappointed is an understatement," he adds.
Ex-employee Sharon Barlow says she is owed around £1,500, and despite repeated attempts she has not yet received a response as to when she will be paid. She says: "Everyone is just so disappointed. It's just not very professional."
Another worker says the redundancies were not a surprise because the company had introduced a three-day working week after Christmas, but he also says the company's attitude since the redundancies has been "disgraceful". He adds: "I wanted to go and work for Edward Stobart, I was quite excited. Now we just want to get what's owed to us."
The former boss of haulage giant Eddie Stobart bought the express bodybuilding operation from administrators in 2007 and impressed staff with his ambitions to revitalise the business. Despite repeated calls and emails, no one from Boalloy Fastruck Bodies would respond.
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