Collapsed firm staff offered help
WORKERS who were made redundant by the collapse of Alcester-based firm EiC have been urged to go to a help and support session hosted by Stratford Citizen's Advice Bureau.
The drop-in session, which is being organised by the Coventry & Warwickshire Growth Hub, runs from 1pm to 4pm on Thursday, 14th July, at Stratford CAB in Meer Street.
Six advisers will be on hand to provide initial advice and guidance across a breadth of subjects including benefits, debt and housing to those affected by the closure, with a view to providing longer term support where required.
Around 400 people worked for the building services and facilities management firm, which went into administration last month after encountering poor trading performance and financial distress.
Some 40 of the workforce were employed at the company's head office in Tything Road, Alcester.
The company was working on the Stratford-upon-Avon Hospital and had been involved in the refurbishment of the Royal Shakespeare Company's The Other Place and Warwickshire College in Leamington Spa.
Maria Veitch, trainer and supervisor at Stratford CAB, said: “EiC is one of Warwickshire’s most established companies and among the region’s largest employers.
“In view of the need to offer urgent support, the CAB is committed to ensuring that those laid off, as well as suppliers who have been affected by outstanding payments from the EiC, receive the vital support they need during what is an uncertain time.”
Phil Peak, senior account manager at Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub, said: “The Growth Hub has been liaising with various parties including EiC’s administrators, the Department of Work and Pensions, Jobcentre Plus, the local authority and the Citizens Advice Bureau in order to provide a co-ordinated approach to combat and ease the effects of the company’s closure upon the region.
“Those who attend the drop-in session will receive expert guidance from trained and experienced advisers, so we urge those who have been affected to pay a visit and find out what support is available to them.”
