Former Stewart Milne workers share £1m payout
The housebuilder went bust in January 2024
Former Stewart Milne staff are sharing a million pounds in compensation - about 18 months after the construction group went bust.
Over 200 people across the north east and beyond lost their jobs - without notice - when the doors closed at the firm which was started up by businessman and former Aberdeen FC chairman Stewart Milne in 1975.
The independent company, which had development sites across the north east and elsewhere in Scotland, appointed administrators after two submitted bids were rejected by the bank.
"Not nearly enough for what they've been through"
Steven Dillon from Unite The Union, got to know many of the workers well. "When it collapsed, it was Obviously hard for them, but it was hard for me, And it's not just a member, it affects obviously, it affects the the wider family when this happens"
"They got about five thousand pounds each - that's not nearly enough for what they've been through."
"Quite a lot of legal wrangling"
Paul Kisson is an employment lawyer at Thompsons Solicitors who acted for the ex-workers employees. "This came completely out of the blue for people. They had finished up for Christmas and New Year in 2023/2024. They come back from their holidays and suddenly they're told they're out of a job. So it was a horrendous shock to over 200 employees"
"There was quite a lot of legal wrangling in order to get a judgment in the case. It sometimes happens when you've got over 200 people involved and you've got issues such as union recognition to deal with. But I'm just relieved that after 18 months, everyone finally has their money".