Hughes Group goes into administration ‘due to ‘Patton collapse’
Almost 150 people have lost their jobs after another firm went into administration following the collapse of the Ballymena-based Patton Group.
Administrators have been called to a number of companies within the Dunloy-based, Joseph Hughes Group.
The Hughes group said its position was “untenable” due to the Patton Group collapse. More than 250 people lost their jobs at the Patton Group when the company went into administration earlier this month.
Companies included in the administration are Joseph Hughes Painting Contractors Limited and JH Industrial Cleaning Services Limited.
Joint Administrator Stephen Cave said the group had “suffered growing cash flow difficulties” as a direct result of the downturn in the construction sector.
“A Company Voluntary Arrangement was already in place, but the collapse of Pattons has made the group’s position untenable and it can no longer continue to trade.
“We regret that we have this morning, advised the workforce that all 147 of staff will be made redundant, with immediate effect.”
Mr Cave described it as “another severe blow to the construction sector” and was particularly difficult for the workforce so close to Christmas.
The group’s businesses were established in 1977 and are based in Dunloy with offices in Belfast, collectively employing 147 staff, who provide specialist services, primarily to the construction sector.
Scores of subcontractors who carried out work for the 100-year-old Patton Group complained that they were owed money.
A group of them, who said they were owed about £17m by Patton, had asked the Stormont executive for a rescue package to help them.
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Friday 24 May 2013
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