The administrators dealing with collapsed Dundee video games firm Realtime Worlds have been criticised for failing to give former employees full redundancy payments.
It is claimed Begbies Traynor have held back portions of statutory redundancy pay to cover employee computer and relocation loans.
Angry and out-of-pocket employees of the company, which folded in August with the loss of nearly 200 jobs and debts of nearly £50 million, have insisted these were written off on their redundancy, and have the proof.
Tahir Rashid, a workers’ representative, said he was “absolutely disgusted” by Begbies’ attempts to “claw back” money due to him and others. A letter issued to him on being made redundant in August states, “If you have a loan with the company any outstanding payments will be written off at your leaving date.”
“I’m absolutely disgusted that PC loans and relocation loans which had been written off are being taken from us,” Mr Rashid said. “Begbies are in total denial about the discrepancy and have told me that they will look at it on an individual basis.
“We’re not talking large amounts maybe £600 or £700 but it’s the point of it. You just don’t do that to people who are short of cash already from being made redundant. Some of these guys have got no money.
“It’s truly a shocking state of affairs. I guess it’s about the money at the end of the day not the people that lost their jobs.”
Another former staff member, who declined to be named, said, “I was disgusted to be told that they are basically just going to deal with employees on an individual basis, so those that bother to complain will get the money back.
“Gary (Dale, Realtime chief executive) and Dave (Jones, the company’s founder) had authorised all PC loans to be waived in the event of redundancy.”
Realtime Worlds’ joint administrator, Ken Pattullo of Begbies Traynor, said his firm would investigate any incorrect deductions. “If there is an issue with these former employees we will most certainly look into it, and if any money had been wrongly deducted from anyone’s payment we will ensure they are reimbursed,” he said.