Staff in shock at sudden closure of Cohannon Inn
A popular Co Tyrone hotel and restaurant has ceased to trade with staff told by email they no longer have jobs.
It is understood The Cohannon Inn near Tamnamore roundabout closed on Sunday night.
Some staff were left in tears at the news while concerns remain about when any outstanding wages will be paid.
Notices bearing the message “closed” have been posted in three windows at The Cohannon and access to the rear car park blocked.
The sudden closure of the restaurant and hotel has been described as a blow to the local community.
Sunday night’s email from the company that has been running The Cohannon for a number of years informed staff it would “not be opening tomorrow, or in the future under P&L Worrall”.
“As some of you will no doubt be aware, trading over the last two years has been difficult and unfortunately we have reached the point where we have had no option but to appoint an Insolvency Practitioner to wind the company up,” the email added.
It went on to outline how the news “may come as a shock” but that they wanted “to thank everybody for their hard work and commitment over the years” and how management “have thoroughly enjoyed our time at The Cohannon and wish you all the best in the future”.
The Tyrone Courier reported that staff had worked shifts at the restaurant right through until Sunday night, with the email dropping into their inboxes after 10pm.
Employees have since been contacted by insolvency practitioners, who outlined how their contracts would end on November 11.
They were informed that they “may be entitled to claim for any arrears of wages, holiday pay, pay in lieu of notice and redundancy pay due to you from the company” and that this will be administered by the Department for Economy.
Staff were also asked to inform them of any company property “including keys, laptops or mobile phones in your possession as soon as possible”.
One woman, who asked not to be named, told the Courier: “It’s an awful state of affairs. The people were only told after their shift that they have no job left but it’s the times - prices are going up, rent is going up and I am sure they felt the pressure of it.
“There’s been buses coming all summer, tour buses going to it, and people staying in it. It’s very sad. One wee girl was crying, she was just gutted.”
Insolvency practitioners, SCC, and the Department for Economy have been contacted for comment.