Last Carillion contracts transferred as investigation into collapse continues

The last of Carillion’s 278 contracts have finally been transferred to new suppliers, according to an update from the Official Receiver.

The trading phase of the liquidation has come to a close almost seven months after the construction giant went under.

The liquidation trading period, which started on 15 January, ensured the continued provision of essential public sector services across hospitals, schools, roads, rail and other key infrastructure without any service disruption or major incidents.

Official receiver Dave Chapman said: “Carillion is the largest ever trading liquidation in the UK. The continued uninterrupted delivery of essential public services since the company’s collapse in January reflects the significant effort put in by its employees, supported by my team and those employed by the special managers [PwC].”

As part of the update it was confirmed that another 429 roles had been transferred to new suppliers taking the total jobs saved to 13,945. Just nine staff were axed this week, down significantly on the 356 people who lost their jobs the previous week.

Chapman said: “During this period 83% of the original workforce have either transferred with the contracts or resigned with another job to go to. Staff have been very professional throughout the liquidation and I want to thank them for their support as we worked to find new suppliers.”

In total 2,787 people have been made redundant since January, while 1,272 employees have left the business during the liquidation through finding new work, retirement or for other reasons. Around 240 core employees are currently being retained to help close out the remaining activities

Chapman said the liquidation’s focus would now shift to finalising Carillion’s accounts.

He said: “The focus of the liquidation will now shift to the provision of limited transitional services for some suppliers and finalising Carillion’s trading accounts to ensure that payment is made to suppliers who have provided goods and services to the various liquidations. Suppliers are asked to ensure they supply their final accounts as soon as possible.

“My investigation into the cause of the company’s failure, including the conduct of its directors, is also underway.”

Chapman has powers to obtain information, material, and explanations as part of his investigation into the contractor’s collapse.