Pumpkin Patch workers lose health insurance in payment botch-up

In another blow for workers at failed children’s retailer Pumpkin Patch, some workers have discovered their insurance cover could be void after the company receivers confirmed Pumpkin Patch had not paid workers’ insurance premiums for the year August 2016 to August 2017.

Documents obtained by FIRST Union indicate that if the insurance provider confirms coverage for workers has lapsed then the receiver doesn’t intend to correct the botch-up and renew insurance cover.

“Honestly things are going from bad to worse for head office and distribution centre workers at Pumpkin Patch,” said FIRST Union organiser Lisa Meto Fox.

“As if job losses weren’t enough, now those who had insurance cover paid for by Pumpkin Patch have learned they might not have coverage after all. If this is the case that means people are going to miss out on things like health insurance.”

“This reinforces the need for redundancy payments to help support people who are being put out of work. The receivers should do the right thing and commit to meeting all of the workers’ entitlements.”

FIRST Union is taking legal advice on what court actions it could take to secure workers’ entitlements.

ENDS

© Scoop Media