Original URL: https://www.theregister.com/2002/09/18/convergys_deloitte_face_163_8m/

Convergys, Deloitte face £8m unfair dismissal suit

TelesensKSCL ex-staffers in class action

By Tim Richardson

Posted in On-Prem, 18th September 2002 15:22 GMT

More than 200 IT workers are expected to lodge Scotland's largest class action for compensation on Friday after they were laid off without any redundancy pay in the summer.

The former employees of billing systems outfit TelesensKSCL in Edinburgh are suing US billings giant Convergys and receivers Deloitte & Touche for more than £8m in their fight for justice.

The action will centre on the claim that the workers received nothing even though TelesensKSCL was sold to Convergys for $10m. They are also seeking compensation for unfair dismissal and sex discrimination under European legislation.

Said Mike Cicero, ex-employee and spokesman for the Class Action Group: "Not only are we seeking the money that is owed to us, we are also hoping that by taking this action we force changes in the law so that this does not happen to anyone else ever again."

TelesensKSCL was placed into receivership in June despite earlier assurances to employees that the company had money in the bank and two companies interested in buying it out.

Three days later, receivers Deloitte & Touche announced that 220 staff would be made redundant. Workers were told that they would not be paid their last month's salary or receive any redundancy payment. Among those hit were a number of women on maternity leave.

Soon after the job cuts were announced TelesensKSCL was sold to the American billings giant Convergys. The case is being investigated by the Equal Opportunities Commission and the Department of Trade and Industry and is backed by a number of MPs and MSPs. ®

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