Supporting Employees and Businesses Through Insolvency
Our dedicated employment team is here to provide expert support to employees navigating redundancy.
At McTear Williams and Wood, we understand that insolvency can be a difficult and uncertain time for employees. Our dedicated employment team is here to provide expert support, ensuring employees receive the guidance and assistance they need to navigate redundancy, unpaid wages, and their legal entitlements. With a team solely focused on processing employee claims, we bring unmatched expertise to the process, handling every situation with professionalism and care.
A specialist approach to employee claims
Unlike many other insolvency practitioners who outsource employee claims or assign them to general case administrators, we have a specialist employment team that exclusively handles this process. This focused approach ensures that employees and directors alike receive clear, informed, and timely assistance throughout the insolvency process.
We also assist directors in making claims in their capacity as employees. While this presents additional challenges, we work diligently to overcome obstacles wherever possible.
The employee claims process
When a company enters administration or liquidation, our employment team follows a bespoke structured approach to ensure employees are fully informed and supported:
- Initial contact & information gathering: A member of our employment team is introduced to the company director to provide a point of contact. We request essential employee and payroll information to calculate claims for wages, holiday pay, notice, and redundancy.
- Dismissal & redundancy support: If dismissals are necessary, we prepare the required dismissal letters. We can attend the business site to assist directors in making employees redundant either pre or post insolvency, and explain their rights.
- Post-insolvency assistance: We guide employees through the claim submission process to the Redundancy Payments Service (RPS) and provide ongoing support for employees with questions regarding their payments and any additional claims.
Free advice line for distressed company directors > 0800 331 7417
Addressing employment challenges in insolvency
Job loss is emotionally and financially stressful. Our team is experienced in handling these sensitive situations with empathy and professionalism. We ensure employees receive clear guidance on their claims, expected payment timelines, and practical advice on seeking further support. This includes putting employees that do not already have a new job in touch with their local Job Centre to discuss and claim any benefits they may be entitled to. We can also provide access to redundancy skills programs that may help with career transitions.
Clear & timely communication
To keep employees informed throughout the process, we maintain internal checklists and diary systems to track each stage of the redundancy and claims process. This ensures no critical steps are missed and employees receive timely updates.
Is liquidation the right option for you?
Check the health of your business with our free business health check tool. Get an indication as to whether your company has what it needs to survive.
Includes:
-Company health assessment
-Types of liquidation available
-Options & next steps
*All information provided is completely confidential and will not be shared with a third party
Company directors are provided with employment advice, including templates for redundancy letters. Employees receive direct communication detailing their claims and expected payment dates. If they have any concerns, they are given a designated point of contact within our employment team for assistance.
Helping employees understand their rights
When employees are made redundant, they receive a dismissal letter outlining their entitlements and how to make a claim. This includes a summary of what they can claim from the RPS and contact details for their assigned employment team member.
Once the company is in formal insolvency, employees receive further communication, including:
- The Redundancy Payments Services (“RPS”) case reference for claim submission.
- A factsheet summarising their claims. statutory limits and the process.
- Payment guidance
How can we help - Book a free 1-2-1
If your company is struggling with unmanageable debts or if you have concerns about your company’s future, we can assess your situation and provide you with tailored solutions and options.
During your free initial advice meeting we will discover a true picture of your company’s financial situation and offer practical and expert guidance on your next steps.
Initial meetings can be held at our office or your premises and are completely confidential.
There is no charge for this meeting – charges only apply if and when terms of engagement have been agreed.
Coordinating with stakeholders for a smooth process
We work closely with various stakeholders to ensure the efficient processing of employee claims as far as possible. This includes regular coordination with the Redundancy Payments Service (RPS), Jobcentres, trade unions and employee representatives. By maintaining clear communication and tracking progress on a regular basis, we ensure claims are processed and paid as promptly as possible.
What sets our employment team apart?
Every business payroll system is different. Our employment team provides a highly personalised, one-on-one service to both employees and directors. We offer expert guidance through the redundancy and claims process, ensuring clarity and support at every stage.
Additionally, we help resolve disputed claims, potentially avoiding the need for costly and time-consuming employment tribunal proceedings. If employees are in financial distress, we assist by providing the necessary documentation for banks or mortgage providers, helping them navigate their immediate financial needs.
Going above & beyond: Real support in difficult times
Each case we handle is unique, but our dedication to employees and directors remains consistent. We often receive positive feedback from those we assist, whether it’s through providing clear redundancy guidance or hands-on support with claims.
For employees who may lack the facilities or knowledge to submit claims, we offer personal assistance to ensure their applications are completed correctly. We can go to site with multiple laptops and hold guided or live application sessions. If disputes arise, we work with both directors and employees to find resolutions, reducing the need for legal action. Additionally, we help employees provide the necessary evidence of expected payments to financial institutions, easing the burden during a difficult transition.
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Staying up-to-date with employment law & insolvency regulations
Our expertise is continually refreshed. With our daily experience handling claims, we have an in-depth understanding of the intricacies involved, allowing us to provide the most current and accurate advice to employees and directors.
Providing emotional & practical support
We recognise that losing your job can be overwhelming. Our team takes the time to listen to employees, offering a supportive and understanding approach throughout the redundancy and claims process. Whether it’s explaining the claims process, offering guidance on financial assistance, or simply being there to answer questions, we are committed to making the transition as smooth as possible.
We provide employees with information about available support programs which includes contact details for Jobcentre Plus and TCHC’s Skills Support for Redundancy program, helping employees take their next steps toward new opportunities.
Meet the specialists supporting your case
Our strength lies in our people. Our team combines insolvency, financial and investigative expertise, with sector-specific knowledge built over many years.
Directors paid through payroll can claim too
There are extra hurdles to jump but we know how to navigate these. A director with 10 years’ service could claim up to £25,000 from the Government.
Get the support you need
At McTear Williams and Wood, we are committed to making the redundancy and claims process as smooth and stress-free as possible. If you are a business owner or an employee facing insolvency, contact our dedicated employment team today to guide you every step of the way.
OUR SERVICES
How can we help your business?
We work with SMEs, family businesses, and local companies facing financial pressures. Whether you’re dealing with cash flow challenges or considering your next steps, our team tailored advice on business rescue, insolvency, administration, and liquidation – always focused on finding the best possible outcome for you.
Professional support for your business, helping you overcome an adverse financial situation and return to profitability.
Taking early advice is key. It is sometimes possible to trade out of the situation if advice is sought early enough.
Get the extra time you need to make important changes to your business whilst keeping your company operational.
Get help to close down your company and pay off all remaining debt before striking it off the register.
