Little Hayes care home workers hold sit-in over redundancy row

By Coulsdon and Purley Advertiser

CARE home workers held a sit-in in protest at being treated "like criminals" by their paymasters.
Carers at Little Hayes, in Hayes Lane, Kenley, which was due to close on Monday as the care provider went bust, refused to leave the home last Thursday after being told their jobs would end that day.

Workers say the premature closure was an attempt by administrator RSM Tenon – that stepped in after the previous care provider folded in 2009 – to prevent a backlash over redundancy payouts.
The eight carers, one of whom worked at the home for 24 years, held the day-long protest demanding advice on redundancy pay.
One worker, who the Advertiser agreed not to name, said: "We are protesting because we were told we could work until Monday, but we've turned up this morning with them asking us to leave today.
"They won't tell us anything about whether we will receive the one month's notice pay or redundancy money we feel we should get. We are refusing to leave until they tell us where we stand. They said they will call the police but we are not leaving.
"We are not treated very well. We are treated like criminals, like we are illegal and we are just thrown into the deep blue sea.
"It is difficult because we don't know where we stand or if we will get our money or anything."
The sit-in prompted an emergency meeting later that day as a Tenon representative was sent to deal with the stand-off.
Workers said a promise was made to pay them one month's notice money but that they are still left worrying about redundancy settlements.
Another worker, speaking to the Advertiser on Monday, said: "We're still hearing nothing about our redundancy money and we're very worried. One of the workers has been there for 24 years and it's unfair.
"I have got a another job but that's not the point, they are just leaving us with nothing."
The home, which cared for dementia sufferers, had two patients who were also moved to new homes last Thursday.
An RSM Tenon spokesman said: "Those workers made redundant as a result of the closure of the home can make a claim for outstanding notice and redundancy pay from government funds, as is normal in such situations."