Acheson staff win 90-day wage payout a year after firm folded | Construction Enquirer News
Summary
A tribunal has ruled that Acheson construction unlawfully failed to consult on redundancies, ordering the company to pay 31 former employees 90 days' wages following its collapse.
Why It Matters
This ruling underscores the importance of compliance with redundancy consultation laws in the construction industry. It highlights the legal protections for workers and the consequences for companies that fail to adhere to these regulations, especially in times of financial distress.
Key Takeaways
- Acheson construction breached redundancy consultation laws.
- The tribunal awarded 90 days' wages to 31 former employees.
- The ruling emphasizes the legal obligations of employers during layoffs.
The court ruling follows Acheson’s slide into administration on 18 February 2025, when administrators were appointed after the business filed a notice of intention the previous day. At the time, around 40 redundancies were made immediately, with most of the firm’s 48-strong workforce losing their jobs as projects stalled and trading ceased. Now, in a judgment dated 28 January 2026, Employment Judge Dawson has ruled that the claimants’ case was “well founded”, concluding the company breached section 188 of the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992 by failing to carry out collective consultation. The tribunal ordered Acheson construction to pay each of the 31 claimants remuneration equivalent to 90 days’ pay, covering the protected period beginning on 18 February 2025. The decision marks the latest chapter in the fallout from Acheson’s collapse, with former staff turning to the tribunal system to recover money owed following the sudden shutdown.
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