Nelson employer Cott Beverages are reported to have made 80 redundancies.

Before the redundancies the company, which produces hundreds of types of fizzy drinks, juices, still and sparkling flavoured waters, energy drinks and ready-to-drink alcoholic beverages, as well as hot chocolate, coffee, malt drinks, creamers, whiteners and cereals, employed 300 people.

The Company, which has four plants in the UK, blamed price pressure on premium energy drink brands and increased imports into the UK from Europe aided by the weakening of the euro against the pound.

Inevitably those affected will be contending with a great deal of stress and worry as their future lies uncertain. It is essential employees adopt a proactive approach and contact an experienced employment law solicitor in order to ascertain their legal position and assess the options available to them. Consideration of and advice can also be given in relation to enhanced redundancy packages and related negotiations and settlement agreements.

The law governing redundancy is extremely complex and constantly evolving. It is vital employees are aware of their legal position, rights and monetary entitlements such as notice pay and statutory redundancy. If you are uncertain what these are then consulting a solicitor who specialises in Employment Law & HR advice is paramount in ensuring you are treated fairly, have a tactical advantage and receive the correct financial settlement.

Employees should also ensure they have a comprehensive understanding of company policies and procedures regarding redundancies. By law employers must follow a stringent set of guidelines from employee consultations to delivering a period of notice. Where it can be demonstrated they have neglected to correctly follow these procedures employees can be afforded extra negotiating power and may achieve an enhanced redundancy package/settlement.

Here at Farleys Solicitors our dedicated team specialise in employment law for employees, and are best placed to ensure your interests are suitably protected. Our highly skilled employment law solicitors have extensive experience acting of behalf of employees faced with the threat of redundancy, devising exit strategies and tactics to ensure they receive the optimum redundancy package. For further information contact our team here.