Scores of jobs at risk as employment charity forced to call in administrators
A charity set up more than 30 years ago to help people get back into work has been forced to call in the administrators putting at least 60 jobs at risk.
The charity, which has centres across East Lancashire, will continue to trade as normal until a new owner can be found.
Bootstrap has five centres, 60 staff and an annual turnover of £4m. Last year the charity employed 140 staff.
Bootstrap also owns some social enterprises that create jobs and provide local services.
These are the Big Book Collection recycling company, Rebound Bookshops, Prestige Cleaning, Tinker Brook day service and Bootstrap Accountancy Services.
Patrick Lannagan and Conrad Pearson of Mazars have been appointed joint administrators of Bootstrap.
Established in 1987, Bootstrap helps people into work, to set up businesses and to gain new skills and qualifications.
The charity works across East Lancashire with centres in Blackburn, Burnley, Accrington and Nelson; with outreach centres in Clitheroe and Rawtenstall.
The charity will continue to operate as normal: there are no planned changes to services and users should continue to attend meetings with their contacts at the charity as normal.
Patrick Lannagan, Joint Administrator, said: “Unfortunately the charity has experienced cash flow difficulties which have led the Trustees to take the difficult decision to place the company into administration.
“The charity has a tremendous reputation in this sector, helping unemployed people to improve their job prospects, particularly working with those who are most disadvantaged in the labour market.
“Our priority is to ensure continuity of service and support for all service users, whilst we work with the Company’s committed and experienced staff and contractual partners to find the best solution for all stakeholders.
“We will be writing to all creditors over the next few days but would encourage anyone with an interest in taking over the Company’s operations to contact us”.
