A young Dundee man claims he has been left penniless and heartbroken after the company he worked for suddenly closed.
Charlie Ritchie said he is due a month’s wages following the closure of Clearwater Hydrotherapy and fears he may never see his hard-earned cash.
It was the 16-year-old’s first job and he has been left distraught by the news of the closure this week.
His father Charles said his son had heard nothing from the apparently defunct company.
He said: “He has not heard a single thing. No phone call, no email, nothing.
“Obviously he is hugely disappointed. This was his first job out of school and it is not an ideal way to start out in your career.”
Mr Ritchie said his son was last paid on February 27.
“They owe him about a month’s wages for working in the cafeteria there. He has not been paid a penny of it,” Mr Ritchie said.
“It is very annoying.”
Clearwater Hydrotherapy announced suddenly on Wednesday that it was closing its doors.
In an email statement sent to customers, owners Leanne and Chris Morris said: “We regret to inform you that the centre will no longer be in operation.
“This is due to circumstances beyond our control and we will issue a full statement in due course.”
Numerous customers took to social media to express their regret at the closure.
Carol Suzanne Thomson said: “Sorry to hear this news, it is a blow for a lot of customers who loved your facilities and I’m disappointed to hear I can no longer book my baby in for the infant swim/bonding lessons that I intended to do when she is born very soon.
“You had a unique business unlike any other in the area and it’s very sad to hear of your closure.”
However, other customers were less sympathetic, citing concerns over whether pre-paid bookings at the facility would be refunded.
Adele Melville posted: “Can you tell us what will happen about monies we have already paid you?
“Find it particularly shocking that this was not mentioned when we were in yesterday when you must of (sic) had some idea this was happening.”
Clearwater Hydrotherapy opened on Whitehall Street in 2010, before moving to West Marketgait.
Mr and Mrs Morris said they opened the centre after their daughter was admitted to hospital with bronchiolitis and the associated risks of chlorine were brought to their attention.
According to a statement on their website, they were “driven” to provide swimming facilities for disabled people after their experience. Mr and Mrs Morris could not be reached for comment, although they plan to release a statement regarding the closure in the coming days.