THE former owner of a Huddersfield pre-school shut down by the authorities has been told to pay ex-staff £19,000 in unpaid wages.
Kerry Noble, who ran West View Pre-School in West View Rise, Paddock, failed to attend the Leeds employment tribunal yesterday.
In her absence seven staff were awarded a total of more than £19,000.
The pre-school was forced to close just before Christmas when Ofsted found problems with its registration.
One of the former staff, Sarah Morris, 35, of Edgerton, said the sudden closure had caused hardship for her and the six other women.
Three had yet to find new jobs.
Miss Morris said they had been warned by the tribunal judge that they would struggle to recover the money despite winning the case.
Ms Noble, who helped organise the Sport Relief Mile in Greenhead Park, Huddersfield, last weekend, denied any knowledge of the claims against her.
In a tearful phone call with the Examiner she said: “I honestly have no idea what you are talking about.”
She then hung up.
