In the run up to Christmas 2018, the staff of Hull Princes Quay Santa’s Stable worked extremely long shifts with few breaks in order to provide an experience described as, ‘exceeded all expectations’. The company responsible for providing Santa’s Stable has rewarded this achievement by failing to pay our due wages and starting liquidation proceedings.

In November and December 2018, around forty Hull people of all ages and backgrounds worked together at the Hull Princes Quay Santa’s Stable to bring Christmas to life for thousands of children (and some adults). We achieved this so well that Princes Quay Management, said in a Facebook post addressed to all staff: “Thank you 👏🏼👏🏼 all on behalf of Princes Quay. This year’s grotto has exceeded all expectations and that’s 100% down to all of YOU!”

In order to make this happen, Santa, elves and reindeer all worked extremely long shifts (up to eleven hours) with few or often no breaks. Every last one of us believed that this effort was worth it to see the looks of pleasure on the children’s faces.

Unfortunately looks of pleasure do not put food on the table, pay rent or mortgages, pay for our own children’s Christmas presents or cover any of the multitude of expenses that we all have in real life.

Tony Jennings, the owner of the two companies (Grotto Hire UK Ltd and Agility Events Ltd) contracted by Princes Quay (and six other shopping centres across the country) did not pay the wages he owed us on the due date 10th January. He has not paid them at all. Instead he stated his intention of putting both companies into liquidation. However, the liquidator, having reviewed Jenning’s accounts and actions, has declined to act for him.

This leaves us in limbo. Many of us are already in serious arrears as a consequence of the missing income. At least one has had to give up her home.

The amount owing to the Santa’s Stable staff in Hull by Tony Jennings amounts to over £25,000 between us.

Any help is very much appreciated. Thank you.

❤️🎅🏼

The story...