Care firm employees shocked at company closure

AN employee of Abacus Care (Cheshire) which collapsed last week has said she was shocked to hear the borough council was aware of the company’s perilous state.

Abacus Care (Cheshire) Ltd provided home care services to residents in Knutsford – some of which have their care paid for by Cheshire East Council.

But the company ceased trading on Thursday, August 23 after suffering from financial problems.

Sarah Dunkerley told the Guardian she was team leader for the company in the Macclesfield area and was told of the company’s demise via email.

“It shocks me to find out that the council were aware of the issue months prior to the company folding,” she said.

“The staff received an email to state the company had ceased trading and many were out working at the time and some staff did not find out until other staff members broke the news.

“This was a very distressing way of informing the staff and myself and other members of the Macclesfield team have taken the matter further due to the manor of informing the staff and no consultation had been had.

“Six members of the Macclesfield team have been assisting Cheshire East social services to ensure that the clients at risk were seen during the period between the company folding and emergency care could be arranged.

“The staff have been working all over the weekend without pay and deserve a medal or a least recognition for their outstanding dedication to the most vulnerable people in our society.

“None of the staff have been contacted by the franchise group and are not aware any help could be provided.”