What will happen to my employees if my company goes bust?
It depends on:
- how early you react to deal with the problem;
- whether any part of the business is able to continue as a going concern; and
- what workforce is required for that business (remembering that a purchaser may have some positions already covered).
The result can vary:
- no material change if insolvency can be averted quickly;
- some redundancies as part of an operational turnaround, again whilst avoiding formal insolvency; or
- if an insolvency procedure is necessary:
- some or all of the workforce may be made redundant (leading to enhanced pre-insolvency claims);
- pre-insolvency claims may receive anything between the modest state-guaranteed limits and full payment; and
- wages and salaries for employment during insolvency should be paid in full.
This is a highly complex area of insolvency law and practice. Further background reading is available here from Business Link and here from The Insolvency Service.
There is no substitute for consulting a specialist, whose advice will be tailored to your specific circumstances. Most licensed insolvency practitioners, including those at Mercer & Hole, will consider the position with you at an initial meeting without charge.
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