STAFF at a troubled Northumberland factory are taking their case to an employment tribunal as uncertainty continues to surround their future.

Employees at H-A Interiors in Cramlington have been left in limbo without work or pay. They are unable to claim benefits as they are still officially classed as being employed despite having not worked a shift for weeks since the factory stopped production.

The firm’s European parent company paid the 80 staff their April wages last week but the May payment is still owed and this month’s salary is due on Tuesday.

Keir Howe, organiser for the GMB Union, confirmed last night members at the interior design firm were being supported in making claims to the Tribunals Service.

Liberal Democrat European MP Fiona Hall has made attempts to contact senior figures at Germany business Alkor-Venilia to get some answers.

She said: “Whatever situation the owners find themselves in, it is unacceptable to leave staff in limbo like this. If they are solvent they need to pay the staff’s wages. If they are insolvent, they need to let people know.

“Without knowing what is happening, staff can’t look for other jobs or receive benefits. Understandably, people are worried and angry. Efforts to get help from ACAS have been unsuccessful and staff are increasingly concerned they have nowhere to turn.

“A large part of the problem is the lack of communication from the German owners. I am now taking this issue up at a European level and will be speaking to colleagues in an attempt to resolve this untenable situation.”

Blyth Valley MP Ronnie Campbell has supported the workers and raised the issue in Parliament.

Mr Campbell said Alkor-Venilia had “walked away” from the situation. He has urged employees who are not union members to group together and take legal action.