A UNION has announced it is to launch legal action on behalf of its members after a Wrexham dairy firm collapsed.

PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers) confirmed on Tuesday afternoon that Tomlinsons Dairies had officially entered administration.

The firm was based in Wrexham, with operations in Chester and Shropshire and across the North West.

Unite then confirmed on Thursday it would be offering its members maximum support and pursuing legal action for compensation over a failure to consult after the company "collapsed into administration" with the loss of more than 300 jobs.

Unite regional officer Jo Goodchild said: "This is a totally unexpected and devastating blow for the workforce and their families.

"The workforce had no idea this was coming, they were simply told not to report for work on Monday morning but to attend a meeting scheduled for 4pm.

"Unite will be offering maximum support to help those affected both in terms of retraining and support in securing new employment.

"Unite will also be launching legal action on behalf of our members for compensation over a failure to consult."

A spokesman for the administrators added on Friday: "We are supporting all affected employees during this very difficult period.

"Local employers are being extremely supportive by offering available employment opportunities, which we are helping to communicate.

"In addition, we are working closely with the Department for Work and Pensions in the Wrexham district to ensure employees are supported.

"We have secured funding to enable the company to pay arrears of wages due prior to the appointment of Administrators.

"We are also working with the Insolvency Service and Redundancy Payments Service, to support with statutory payments that may be due to employees as a result of the administration."

The following contact details can be used for employees and creditors requiring more information on the administration:

Information regarding the administration of the company and for FAQs visit: www.pwc.co.uk/tomlinsonsdairies

Employee email inbox: uk_employees_tomlinsons@pwc.com

Creditors email inbox: uk_creditors_tomlinsons@pwc.com

Employee helpline: 0113 289 4417