Clayton Glass told 160 employees on Friday, September 18, that they would not be paid on the upcoming payday after the company filed a notice of intention to appoint an administrator. The factory, based on the Harelaw Industrial Estate in Stanley, said the move would trigger temporary protection while advisers examined possible options for the business.
“Regrettably, due to our current lack of liquid funds and restrictions placed upon us during this process, we cannot process or issue due and upcoming payments,” the email to staff said. It added: “You will not receive your regular salary or wages on the upcoming payday.” For workers, that means the next payroll date has turned into an immediate cash-flow gap rather than a routine payment.
Clayton Glass Payroll Freeze
More than 100 workers were told to attend the factory for an 8am meeting regardless of shift pattern, with around 160 employees caught up in the announcement. The company manufactures insulated glass units, so the payroll failure landed across an entire production workforce at once, not just a small office team.
Once an administrator is officially appointed, the email said, they will take control of operations and communicate directly with staff about claims for unpaid wages and entitlements. That leaves employees waiting for the formal handover before they get the next set of instructions on pay, claims and the factory’s immediate future.
Durham County Council Response
Mark Stamper, head of place, planning and growth at Durham County Council, said the situation was concerning and that the council had not been notified in advance. He added that employees facing immediate financial hardship may be eligible for support through the Crisis and Resilience Fund.
“It’s concerning to hear about the current situation at Clayton Glass,” Stamper said. “Our thoughts are very much with the company’s employees and their families at this difficult time.” He also said the council would welcome discussions with the company’s directors to see how it may be able to assist them and their employees.
“Unfortunately, we were not notified about any challenges Clayton Glass is facing in advance of today,” he said. “If any Clayton Glass employees are facing immediate financial hardship, they may be eligible for support through our Crisis and Resilience Fund.”
The urgent issue now is the gap between the notice filed on Friday, September 18, and the point when an administrator is officially appointed. Until that handover happens, the 160 workers know their wages will not arrive as expected, and the only named support route in the announcement is the council’s Crisis and Resilience Fund.
