Thamesteel FAQs

UPDATED - 5th March 2012

What has happened to Thamesteel in Sheerness?

Thamesteel went into administration on 25th January 2012 with the loss of approximately 350 jobs. Mazars, the administrators, were appointed to raise as much money as possible from the sale of the assets and the value of the company. There have been a number of businesses interested in take over Thamesteel but as yet no firm offers have been made. As soon as we receive any further information, we will let the former employees and local constituents know.

When will I receive my P45?

All former employees of Thamesteel should now be in receipt of their P45.

When will I receive my redundancy payments?

The Redundancy Payment Service has confirmed that two thirds of the redundancy and PILON (pay in lieu of notice) payments have now been processed and will be sent out this week. The remaining third will be processed shortly and payments should be sent out next week.

Can I send you my CV for any employment opportunities?

No. Any redundant employees who attended the presentation at the Hope Street Centre on Friday 10th February 2012 will have their contact details passed onto relevant companies who have vacancies available. Those who did not attend might like to visit Jobcentre Plus in Sheerness and speak to Christine Miller or apply directly to the following companies:

Crown House Technologies - Crossways Business Park, Anchor Boulevard, Dartford, DA2 6SN
Telephone - 01322 296 850
Job Type - Electrical and Mechanical Engineers

Delphi Diesel Systems - Courteney Road, Gillingham, Kent, ME8 0RU
Telephone – 01634 224000
Job Type - Mechanical and Automotive Skilled Workers. 1x Purchasing/Procurement Officer.

B.W May & Son - Cambray, Stickfast Lane, Bobbing, Sittingbourne, Kent, ME9 8QL
Telephone – 01795 842360
Job Type - 1x General Office Administrator and 1x Site Electrical Engineer

Tiflex Productions - Shearway Business Park, Shearway Road, Folkestone, Kent, CT19 4RH
Email - mbatchelor@triflexproductions.com
Job Type - 1x Electrical Engineer

Straight Line Services - Bob Heming
Telephone - 01322 278 088 / 07958 560 143
Job Type - Mechanical Engineers

Will my local Jobcentre Plus branch help me find employment?

Gordon has asked the Sittingbourne, Sheerness, Medway and Folkestone branches of Jobcentre Plus to be particularly helpful to former Thamesteel employees. If anyone lives in an alternative area, please call Gordon’s constituency office on 01795 423199 and he will speak to your local branch on your behalf. In addition, the new Work Club will be starting this Friday (24th) at the Sheerness Gateway. To arrange an informal chat with an advisor, please contact 07930 283130.

I am having problems paying my rent. What should I do?

Whether you rent from a Housing Association or private landlord, please contact the Housing Department at Swale Borough Council on 01795 417555, who will be able to assist you with your housing benefit claims.
 

I do not have enough money to pay for food for my family. What should I do?

£10,000 has been donated to set up a Family Food Bank, which is now open for former Thamesteel employees and their families. They will be providing food boxes, which should contain enough food to feed a family of 4 for up to 5 days. A voucher for a food box can be obtained from a Jobcentre Plus advisor or a Union Representative. This then needs to be handed in at the following address between 9am and 5pm on a Thursday or Friday only:

Seashells - Rose Street, Sheerness, Kent, ME12 1AW
Telephone - 01795 889233

Is my child now entitled to free school meals?

More information on eligibility can be found by visiting the following link:

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Parents/Schoolslearninganddevelopment/SchoolLife/DG_4016089

Is there any help available to pay for my prescriptions, optician appointments and dental treatment?

There may be help available if you are in receipt of Tax Credits. More information can be found on the following link:

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/TaxCredits/Paymentsandentitlement/otherbenefits/DG_172863

Useful Contacts

Work Club Helpline (Sheerness Gateway/Swale Brough Council/Kent County Council) - 07930 283130
Citizens Advice Bureau – 0844 499 4124
Crisis Loans (Jobcentre Plus) – 08000 327 952
Mazars Administrators - thamesteel@mazars.co.uk

If your question has not been answered, please contact John Burke, my constituency Office Manager, on 01795 423199.