Jobs blow to Wigan as school facilities firm goes under

School Lettings Solutions is in administration

The firm, whose clients include the borough's most successful Sixth Form College and around half a dozen secondary schools, said the the Covid-19 pandemic restrictions made the business unviable.

The extent of local job losses are not clear but across the UK 93 full-time posts have gone and almost 900 casual staff have been made redundant.

The Manchester-based firm enabled more than 300 schools, academies and colleges across the country to generate additional income by renting facilities such as sports halls, football pitches, tennis courts, classrooms and drama spaces during evenings, weekends and holiday periods.

The casual staff who have been laid off were responsible for monitoring and managing the out-of-hours lettings.

The business applied to a Government scheme for assistance as it was unable to run any of its services due to the coronavirus but did not receive any help.

Daniel Taylor of Fortis Insolvency has been appointed as administrator after SLS faced the uncertainty of when, and under what conditions, the facilities it hires will reopen.

He said: “SLS gave communities access to sport and other recreational facilities while providing revenue-generating opportunities for schools, academies and colleges. Business stopped overnight when the Covid-19 lockdown was introduced and there is no clear timescale for when lettings can resume.

“The directors initially took steps to try and protect the business and jobs by using the furlough scheme although they have been unsuccessful in raising funds from the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme.

“With all the current uncertainties which exist, and the tapering of the furlough scheme in the coming months, there really is no option but to close the business.”

SLS worked in the borough with Winstanley College, Standish Community High School, St Peter’s Catholic High School in Orrell, St Edmund Arrowsmith Catholic High School in Ashton, Hawkley Hall High School, the Dean Trust and Newbridge Learning Community.