Shock over City Link collapse - as 2,700 jobs put at risk

The shock announcement over the firm, which employs nearly 3,000 workers and has depots in the Black Country and Staffordshire, was also condemned by union bosses.

People took to social media after the news of the troubled company hit over the holidays with concerns over the future of jobs and deliveries which has bases in Wednesbury and Stone.

City Link, which has 2,727 employees, called in administrators from professional services firm EY after years of 'substantial losses'.

Officials from the RMT union claim they had been told City Link was in administration on Christmas Eve, a fact neither the company or the administrators were prepared to confirm publicly until the following day.

Mick Cash, the RMT General Secretary, says the union wants talks with the Business Secretary Vince Cable over the situation.

"The disgraceful timing of the City Link announcement at the start of the festive season must not be allowed to delay and hamper efforts to rescue the jobs," he said.

"That is why RMT is demanding urgent meetings with both the administrators and Vince Cable, we will tolerate no dragging of heels."

City Link operations have been suspended at all its depots until Monday, including at the Wednesbury depot in Leabrook Road North and the Stone depot in Stone Business Park, Opal Way.

Rachel Boundy said: "If the company had doubts over its future then the kindest thing to do would have been to inform the workers as soon as possible."

Another poster, Kathryn Bursey, added: "Very sad news to receive on Christmas day, after all the workers have worked like slaves to get parcels delivered before Christmas."

Stephanie Ali added: "Disgraceful to think I've used them a lot. What a shame."

West Midlands MEP, Bill Etheridge, condemned the timing of the announcement as 'appalling'.

"We all accept the companies run into financial difficulties sometimes but to announce this on Christmas Day is appalling," he said.

"The management should have more humanity than to make this kind of life changing announcement over what should be a wonderful time of the year where friends and family gather together to celebrate while toasting the old year and looking forward to the new year."

A number of staff will be retained to help return parcels to customers and help with winding down the company, administrators said.