Union condemns 'disgraceful' timing of city link christmas day redunda

Unions branded the timing of the announcement that nearly 3,000 workers were facing redundancy as “disgraceful” and “callous”. The RMT demanded “urgent talks” with Business Secretary Vince

Cable over the failure of the firm and the treatment of its workforce. For staff, the news was particularly devastating. Worker Mark Critchley said: “I received an email on Christmas Day

from the RMT saying City Link had gone into receivership. And that’s all we knew about it.” Suspended He said managers at the firm were “very cowardly and underhand people” who had kept

workers in the dark until the very last minute. He added: “Even the managers said, ‘Have a good Christmas, see you on Boxing Day’.” City Link, which has 2,727 staff and is based in Coventry,

called in administrators from EY after years of “substantial losses”. The company was unable to find a buyer despite counting retailer John Lewis among its clients. The RMT said it had been

told City Link was in administration on Christmas Eve. Mick Cash, RMT general secretary, said: “The delayed timing of the announcement stinks to high heaven. "Not only was it the most

brutal and callous way to treat nearly 3,000 staff but RMT believes there may hav been more cynical motives behind it, which we want the Government to investigate. “That is why RMT is

demanding urgent meetings with both the administrators and Vince Cable.” City Link operations have been suspended at all its 53 UK depots until Monday, when customers will be able to collect

their parcels. Founded in 1969, City Link was bought in April last year for just £1 by Better Capital, which invested £40 million in a bid to turn around the firm. Hunter Kelly, joint

administrator, said the losses were due to “intense competition” in the sector and difficulties in reducing costs. Some staff will be retained to return parcels to customers and help with

winding down the company, EY said.