STAFF who lost their jobs at a trailer manufacturing firm have won an industrial tribunal payout running into tens of thousands of pounds.

About 70 workers at Utility International, formerly York Trailers, of Northallerton, North Yorkshire, were made redundant when the company went into liquidation.

Engineering union Amicus claimed its members had not been properly consulted over the firm's position and its intention to fold.

An industrial tribunal in Newcastle yesterday ruled in the union's favour and awarded a 30-day protected period for each member of staff.

The award means workers who were affected by the closure will receive about six weeks' pay with maximum individual payouts of up to £1,500.

Gerry Hunter, regional officer with the union, said staff were told to leave the site on July 3, by which time the High Court in Leeds had already granted an application for voluntary liquidation.

He said: "We are pleased that the tribunal found in our favour.

"It is the law that employers must consult with employees regarding redundancy or any threat to jobs.

"While they were telling the union that their position was serious, they were not telling us that the company was going into liquidation and was, in fact, closing.

"It is sad that companies don't tell their employees the full extent of their troubles and give them more notice that they are in difficulty."

The company had argued that workers knew it was in financial difficulties and were kept aware of developments.

The award will come out of the National Insurance Fund, said Mr Hunter.