Ideal World employees in Peterborough win protective award claim

Peterborough employees who were made redundant by Ideal World have secured a £1.4million award after taking their employers to tribunal.

Employment Partner and Solicitor, Alan Lewis, of Pearson Solicitors and Financial Advisers secured the judgment for 198 claimants against their previous employer Ideal World Limited when it failed to comply with the Trade Union & Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992 (section 188).

Ideal World Administration

Ideal World Limited went into administration, but no attempt was made to consult with staff or employee representatives before they were made redundant.

The staff, all based at Ideal Home House, Newark Road, Peterborough, were dismissed as redundant on or after 6 July 2023 and then made a protective award claim against their former employer.

What is a Protective Award?

A Protective Award is an award of compensation of up to 90 days’ gross pay.  It is awarded by an Employment Tribunal when an employer fails to collectively inform and consult its workforce, and where twenty or more employees from the same establishment are made redundant.

Protective Award Judgment

Partner and Employment Law Solicitor, Alan Lewis, who led the claims on the basis that the correct redundancy procedures were not followed said upon receiving the judgment:

“If you lose your job through administration, it’s important to seek what you are entitled to, and this is a real triumph for every one of the 198 claimants. If employers did not consult with the appropriate representatives, then any employees made redundant can make a claim, as was the case here.”

“Sadly, we are seeing companies across all sectors struggling and unfortunately some go into administration and close their businesses, but correct procedures must still be followed. Provided 20 or more employees are made redundant at the same establishment (usually a head office, warehouse, or individual store), all affected employees can pursue a claim for a protective award, regardless of how long they have been employed by the business,” added Alan.

“Now the judgment has been issued, the Employment Law Solicitors at Pearson are taking steps to ensure that each claimant receives that part of their award that is guaranteed by the government’s Redundancy Payments Service.”

How can we help

For legal advice on employee rights or to make a protective award claim contact our employment law solicitors on 0161 785 3500 or email enquiries@pearsonlegal.co.uk.

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Please note that the information and opinions contained in this article are not intended to be comprehensive, nor to provide legal advice. No responsibility for its accuracy or correctness is assumed by Pearson Solicitors and Financial Advisers Ltd or any of its members or employees. Professional legal advice should be obtained before taking, or refraining from taking, any action as a result of this article.