Professional rugby players hit by sudden redundancy when their clubs collapsed have won compensation, thanks to specialists in the Bristol office of national law firm Clarke Willmott.
The Clarke Willmott team worked alongside the Rugby Players’ Association (RPA) to secure payouts for the players following the failure of Worcester Warriors, Wasps and London Irish.
The RPA brought a successful employment tribunal on behalf of 167 of its members, including players and non-playing staff, made redundant from the clubs with no notice.
The tribunal found the clubs failed to consult with their employees before making the redundancies, resulting in the highest possible protective award compensation being awarded to employees at all three.
Bristol-based Clarke Willmott partner Tim Copplestone, pictured, who specialises in sports employment law, assisted the RPA with the process.
He said: “We’re delighted with the outcome for the players and staff affected by these very sudden redundancies, which left many in an extremely vulnerable position.
“Protective award compensation is given when an employer does not consult with employees before making them redundant.
“With all three clubs having suffered insolvency events, the payment of the protective award compensation is made by the National Insurance Fund.
“The compensation will not make up for the sudden loss of employment and income but hopefully it will aid those affected while they look to the future.”
RPA player welfare director Rich Bryan added: “The RPA team has left no stone unturned in providing its support to its members in the lead up to and following the demise of Worcester, Wasps and London Irish.
“We have provided legal advice at every turn, mental health support, one-to-one player development manager support and career transition support, to name just a few areas.
“I am incredibly grateful to all of our team members who were absolutely committed to meeting this incredible challenge posed by three Premiership clubs disappearing in one season.”
He said pursuing the protective award claims on behalf of its members was just one example of the RPA demonstrating how essential its service is.
“The compensation is capped and so players will not receive all of the money owed to them by the clubs and nothing can fully compensate players, staff and fans for what was lost but we hope this compensation will, in some way, help the players.”
Clarke Willmott, which also has offices in Birmingham, Cardiff, London, Manchester, Southampton and Taunton, has a long-established and respected sports law team and has worked with the RPA and provided legal advice for its members for a number of years.
