Former GHA Coaches Employees Look to Make Group Compensation Claim

A number of former GHA Coaches employees who lost their jobs when the company collapsed last month have contacted lawyers about making a possible group compensation claim.

The Wrexham-based company announced in July 2016 that they had entered administration and would be ‘ceasing trading immediately’. The announcement left more than 300 employees redundant and a number of bus routes across the county borough out of action.

Administrators were appointed after the business, which operated public and school bus services across Wrexham, Flintshire and Denbighshire – along with parts of Cheshire and Shropshire, received a winding-up petition from HMRC over unpaid taxes.

48 individuals who had worked for GHA have now approached JMW Solicitors with a view to pursuing action against the firm for failing to consult with them before the redundancies.

Chloe Themistocleous, a Solicitor in JMW’s Employment department, said she had already begun making enquiries to determine if the GHA personnel who have so far been in touch are entitled to what is known as a protective award of up to 90 days’ pay for the company’s failure.

She said: “In recent years, we have been involved with and succeeded in a number of such actions and it appears to be our considerable experience in this area which has prompted GHA staff to get in touch with us.

“Even though our work is at something of a preliminary stage, this process has quickly gained momentum in much the same way as other actions of its sort have done in the past and I would expect that colleagues of those who have already instructed us to represent them will also come on board.”

She added: “It is important to remember that whilst the closure of any business is distressing, there are statutory procedures which should be followed. When those are not observed, it is only right that employees who have lost their jobs should have redress.

“Depending on how this case progresses, it is possible that the individuals concerned could be entitled to several thousand pounds each.”

Earlier this month Wrexham.com reported that over 80 former GHA Coaches had gone up for auction, with the money raised expected to go towards paying GHA’s creditors. Auctions are also expected to be held in October and November.

Any former GHA Coaches employees who believe that they may benefit from joining the action should also contact JMW. Staff have until 5pm on Monday 3rd October to make their claim and should contact a dedicated team established by on 0345 872 6666 or by emailing [email protected].