Double glazing firm St Helens Glass is believed to have collapsed with the loss of more than 200 jobs. It is estimated that figure could rise to more than 300 if salespeople, fitters and drivers contracted by the firm are also taken into account. Shocked staff were given the news shortly after they turned up for work as normal this morning, 9th March. One worker told the Daily Post: "I just came in as usual this morning and we were told the news - it was awful, completely unexpected." In January the firm was the subject of an investigation by the BBC's Watchdog TV programme wich had heard from many customers who complained about workmanship, customer service, cash-back offers and a high-interest finance agreements.In January 2006, the company had to promise the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) that it would improve its goods and services. It featured in a TV advertising campaign under the slogan "St Helens Glass has the class" and is a major provider of double glazing units. Last month, it shut its Scottish distribution arm with the loss of a number of jobs. St Helens Glass last filed accounts to Companies House last year covering the 12 months up to October 31, 2004. They showed pre-tax losses of more than £300,000 off a turnover of £16.5m. The ultimate parent company is Cheshire-based Wilmslow windows. Directors of both companies were unavailable for comment.
