Official Receiver鈥檚 investigation into bosses fast-tracked as business secretary meets industry leaders to discuss the crisis

Greg Clark

Business secretary Greg Clark has ordered that a probe into the actions of failed contractor Carillion be speeded up.

Clark (pictured) and the Official Receiver asking that the statutory investigation into the conduct of Carillion鈥檚 directors is fast-tracked and extended in scope.

This means the Official Receiver鈥檚 investigation will consider whether those who are, or were previously directors of the company, may have caused detriment to those owed money, including workers and businesses affected.

The business secretary , Sir Win Bischoff, and asked for an investigation into Carillion鈥檚 past and present accounts, as well as the company鈥檚 auditors KPMG.

Clark said: 鈥淚t is important we quickly get the full picture of the events which caused Carillion to enter liquidation, which is why I have asked the Insolvency Service to fast-track and broaden the scope of the Official Receiver鈥檚 investigation.

鈥淚n particular, I have asked that the investigation looks not only at the conduct of the directors at the point of its insolvency, but also of any individuals who were previously directors. Any evidence of misconduct will be taken very seriously.鈥

The business secretary also revealed he chaired a meeting with leading business and construction trade bodies representing Carillion鈥檚 subcontractors yesterday.

Groups in attendance included Build UK, Civil Engineering Contractors Association, Specialist Engineering Contractors鈥 Group and the Federation of Master Builders.

The British Constructional Steelwork Association, 好色先生TV Engineering Services Association, Construction Products Association and Electrical Contractors鈥 Association were also at the meeting.

Representatives of leading business bodies including the Federation of Small Businesses, the British Chambers of Commerce and the Institute of Directors were also invited.

Clark will meet the union bosses Frances O鈥橤rady from TUC and Len McCluskey of Unite, to discuss the impact on employees affected by Carillion鈥檚 insolvency.

The department has also outlined the resources open to those impacted by the collapse who are seeking further information, with specialist hotlines and websites available.

Government resources for workers and business affected by Carillion鈥檚 liquidation

  • A web page set up by the Insolvency Service for those affected and seeking advice
  • A dedicated website set up by the Special Managers, PWC, as well as a dedicated helpline 鈥 0800 063 9282
  • A hotline set up for any employee worried about their pension situation on these specific pension schemes 鈥 020 7630 2715
  • For more general advice on business support, the BEIS Business Support Hotline can also provide information 鈥 0300 456 3565
  • Jobcentre Plus, through its Rapid Response Service, also stands ready to support any employee affected by this announcement