Former printing firm employees to receive payout

Former employees of a printing firm will receive a payout after a tribunal found failings within its redundancy process.

Swallowtail Print Limited in Drayton, near Norwich, employed 44 staff when it went into administration in 2025.

More than 20 staff, supported by Unite the Union, succeeded in a claim that they were dismissed without "adequate consultation".

Because Swallowtail is insolvent, the payment will be made by the Insolvency Service, which is part of the government's Department for Business and Trade.

Swallowtail's website said the firm had more than 200 years' experience in printing, and had started out producing handbills of hangings at Norwich Prison.

The employment tribunal found that Swallowtail "failed to comply" with part of the Trade Union and Labour Relations Act.

The act states that employers proposing to make 20 or more staff redundant within a 90-day period must consult "appropriate representatives" of the affected employees.

This allows discussion about how to avoid or reduce dismissals, or mitigate the consequences.

The tribunal stated that Swallowtail should pay remuneration for a period of 90 days.

It added that Swallowtail had not filed a response to the claim.

Therefore the Department for Business and Trade becomes the "statutory guarantor".

Mark Walker, Unite regional officer, said the union had helped its members to secure "the maximum compensatory award".

"No award can compensate for losing your employment, but this victory demonstrates the importance of being part of an organised union that supports members through these difficult circumstances," he added.

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