Staff anguish as Willenhall lock firm now in liquidation

A total of 28 staff have been laid off at Willenhall Locks and Keys which has been based in the town since the late 1950s.

Union representative for the firm, Eric Cooper, says he was told of the company's fate on Monday by administration company Leonard Curtis.

"All the workers lost their jobs on Monday afternoon," said tool setter Mr Cooper, who has worked at the Stringes Lane firm for 27 years.

"It's knocked everyone back a bit. They've been left with nothing whatsoever."

Fellow former employee Michelle Butler, of Bentley, has worked at the company for 27 years.

"I'm absolutely gutted," said mother-of-two Mrs Butler.

"Luckily my husband works but that money was a big help – I wouldn't have been working otherwise."

Another worker, who has asked to remain anonymous, is a single mother living with two children – aged eight and 10.

"We've really been left in the lurch," said the mother who has worked at the firm for 13 years.

"I've been trying to put money away for Christmas, but now I've got none coming in.

Union officials are now organising talks with workers to find 'a way to best support them'.

Lynne Shakespeare, Unite regional officer for the West Midlands, said: "Willenhall Locks is a company which has had a fine history of lockmaking.

"The union will be meeting with its members shortly when we will be trying to explore how best we can support them at this difficult time."

Former director of the firm David Sambrook declined to comment.