AROUND 30 members of staff have been made redundant from Big Motoring World’s ‘Big Wants Your Car’ division – after the company opted to outsource vehicle transport to a third party.
According to Car Dealer Magazine, the firm held a brief consultation period before staff were told last week they were leaving with immediate effect.
The report comes weeks after staff were quoted saying they’d been left “in a state of limbo” after the company had informed them that their jobs were at risk.
Many staff members reportedly felt the process had been rushed and poorly communicated.
Reportedly, when the time came for the firm’s commercial director, Neil Hodson, to inform staff in a meeting, he was faced with an angry response from some of those present.
Car Dealer Magazine alleged that staff felt they had been “misled” by senior management, believing there had been a “discrepancy” between comments made in public and those said during the meeting, adding that the decision had caused “frustration and uproar among staff”.
An insider also said: “Neil Hodson faced considerable questioning from staff but did not respond to queries regarding the decision before leaving the meeting abruptly.
“There was no acknowledgment of staff service or apology for the immediate redundancies.”
What’s more, a grievance letter signed by 26 employees claims that CEO Laurence Vaughan, who said those whose jobs were at risk would receive a fair consultation or review, had actually predetermined the decision.
They also vehemently disputed Vaughan’s claim that the company offered those affected full support.
Big Motoring World, which sells thousands of motors each year, has suffered significant financial losses across its most recent accounts, with profits declining by over 1,000%, with the business also beset by leadership upheaval.
Indeed, founder Peter Waddell was removed last year amid allegations of misconduct.
In a statement sent to Sun Motors, a spokesperson for Big Motoring World said: “The People team at Big Motoring World followed government guidelines at all stages of the redundancy consultation process.
“The process included the provision of guidance on alternative roles at Big Motoring World, and the offer of meetings with our outsourced transportation and logistics partner regarding open positions directly relevant to their experience.
“At no stage was the outcome of the redundancy consultation process predetermined.
“We will not be commenting on the meetings themselves, support offered to individuals or the specific conduct of participants in the meetings, as all of this is confidential.
“We greatly value our staff and, since the change in management in late 2023, have taken a series of steps that have led to a 30% reduction in the staff turnover rate.
“We will continue to explore new ways to enhance the experience for current and future staff.”
