Former FD sues troubled ship builder
Ex-directors to face employment tribunal hearing against former company as they sue for £400,000.
The former finance director at troubled shipbuilder Semple Cochrane is suing the company for £250,000.
Wilson Evans, who also briefly served as chief executive until his sudden departure from the Paisley-based company in March last year, is claiming breach of contract and unfair dismissal.
Two other ex-directors, former operations manager Steve Avery and Gerry Hughes, ex-head of the ship repair division, are also suing the company for #75,000 each.
Evans’ case is due to be heard in the Court of Session later this month and a three-day employment tribunal hearing is set for April.
The company said it would defend all three cases.
The news came ahead of an egm last week, which agreed a £33m rescue package negotiated by Semple Cochrane’s new board after the discovery of over-stated profits last year. The £10m shortfall was revealed after Ernst & Young had been called in to go over the books. Following the discovery, Deloitte & Touche resigned as auditor.
Separately, Semple Cochrane has launched legal action to recover tens of thousands of pounds in bonuses paid to the company’s former directors.
The company is trying to claw back £81,000 from four former directors, including a payment of over £18,000 made to Wilson.
A spokeswoman said papers had been lodged with the court. She also confirmed directors of Semple Cochrane were consulting with their lawyers over possible action against Deloittes. The firm said it would defend itself strongly.
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