"Committed" Pompey fans at PMC Construction launch fundraiser after Piglet’s Pantry goes into insolvency leaving staff without pay
“Committed” football fans at a construction company have launched a fundraiser after a Portsmouth FC food provider entered insolvency, leaving staff without pay.
PMC Construction, based in Cosham, has launched a GoFundMe page with a target of £100,000 in a bid to try and ease the financial burdens of the employees of Piglet’s Pantry, Pompey’s food provider, who have lost their jobs and been told they would not be paid because the Worthing-based company has entered insolvency.
In a letter sent to staff on February 4 the catering company said it was relying on the matchday revenue from the game against Ipswich on February 3 to pay the outstanding wages.
But the postponement of the match, due to a waterlogged pitch, meant hundreds of staff members were advised they would no longer be paid, though in the wake of the distressing news, Portsmouth FC released a statement confirming it had offered all staff from the catering company jobs.
Now PMC Construction, which is also a North Stand Sponsor, said that it feels the new fundraiser was really important to the community and to help those affected and has asked for help.
The fundraiser says: “Portsmouth Football Club is the heart of our city, employing many local people who contribute to the games we all love to watch, the catering team play a large part in the atmosphere we all feel at Fratton Park. We have been advised that.
“However, we are still mindful of the balances the staff are owed and felt it was appropriate to set up this page to try and help all those who are sadly affected by this unfortunate situation.”
Steve Cripps, the managing director of PMC, has donated a hefty £2,500 to the fundraiser, which says: “We fully understand this is a large ask with a large target, but we hope if we all come together as a community, we can provide the financial support the staff have worked very hard for.”
A statement from Portsmouth Football Club previously said: “We are deeply concerned about Piglet’s Pantry's inability to meet their responsibilities, including to pay outstanding salaries. These are owed to hard-working individuals, who play an important role in the success of every matchday at Fratton Park.
“We have already invited all Piglet’s Pantry staff to work with us at Fratton Park. We are pleased that there has already been a significant amount of interest expressed in our offer.
“Obviously, this is a very unfortunate situation for Piglet’s Pantry and, more importantly, the individuals affected, but please rest assured that Portsmouth Football Club are trying to do all we can in the circumstances to find solutions.”