Pompey food provider Piglet's Pantry insolvent with staff are told they will not be paid

Staff were informed of the situation on Wednesday, February 4 via a letter which The News has seen. The letter states that the catering company, based in Worthing, was relying on the matchday revenue of Tuesday night’s game against Ipswich to be used to pay staff.

However, following the postponement of the match due to a waterlogged pitch, Piglet’s Pantry advised staff payment was “now not possible”. The caterer has told Portsmouth FC that it is no longer able to provide catering on a matchday and are actively looking to sell the business.

The letter to its casual workers stated: “Unfortunately, Piglet’s Pantry is not in a position to meet this payroll due to its cash flow position. Piglet’s Pantry is insolvent and it is anticipated that we will enter an insolvency process within the next couple of weeks.

“Piglet’s Pantry has spent significant time in recent weeks exploring options that would deliver a solvent solution to the cash flow difficulties, however, these have not materialised. The company is therefore now actively seeking a sale of the business as a going concern, which may potentially result in the rescue of the company’s business and securing jobs for its staff.

“Throughout this incredibly difficult situation, Piglets Pantry has been doing everything possible to support its staff and minimise disruption for fans.”

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The catering company described the conversation with the club as “extremely sad” with it being “immensely proud” of its time at Portsmouth FC.

It claimed to have reached a verbal agreement with the club for Pompey to keep all the matchday revenue from Tuesday’s game and it would pay the staff. Plans that were scuppered by the postponement.

Piglet’s Pantry also claimed that following the postponement it asked the owners of Portsmouth FC directly if they could support them to help pay staff. The letter states that they did not receive a response from the owners but had confirmation from the club in writing that it “will not be helping with the staff payments”.

A Piglet’s Pantry spokesperson told The News their main focus had been to ensure that staff were paid but despite exploring a number of options it was not possible.

The situation leaves the casual matchday workers out of pocket for a number of games. The letter to casual workers advised that due to their employment status they will not be able to receive their unpaid wages.

The letter states: “Due to the nature of the Casual Worker agreement, we are advised the Government body that will ordinarily meet certain wages of employees of insolvent companies will not meet any unpaid wages. This is due to the nature of your status as a Casual Worker as opposed to an employee.”

One matchday worker, who did not want to be named, expressed their surprise at the news, with no previous indication that the company was in trouble. Staff are being told to email Portsmouth FC’s HR team regarding work at upcoming home games with the club saying they have invited all of the affected staff to work for them at Fratton Park.

A statement released by the club 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.”