12/01/2017

Support Staff Unpaid For Three Months

At least 11 support workers at Lime Trees Children's Centre in Birmingham last received a full pay packet in November.

They have faced a Christmas with no money and with no prospect of getting the cash they've earned any time soon – but are carrying on the vital work they do out of a sense of dedication.

The centre is run by the charity Freshwinds, who received more than £1million in donations and grants in the financial year 2014/15 – included around £850,000 from cash-strapped Birmingham City Council.

Freshwinds claims it is not in danger of going bankrupt, despite spending £1.3million last year and only receiving £1.2million.

However they failed to file company accounts before the deadline of December 31.

GMB has demanded the company pay their hard working carers.

Gillian Ogilive, GMB Organiser, said: "It is bad enough these hard-working and dedicated members of staff were not paid over Christmas – for it to carry on into the New Year is an absolute scandal.

"They have no money for travelling to work, for child care – even to feed their own families.

"The fact they are still looking after vulnerable families without being paid is testament to their dedication – but they can't carry on working for nothing.

"Freshwinds need to sort his out before it is too late."

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