News
Concerns over jobs as Allied Healthcare faces uncertain future
ALLIED HEALTHCARE have began the process of a Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA) as local authorities are facing financial difficulties that are affecting local services, including social care.
With more than 80 community-based branches across the UK, and nearly 9,000 employees, roughly 200 of those in Pembrokeshire, staff will be facing uncertain futures, irrespective of reassurances.
As a result, Allied Healthcare are in discussions with some of the organisations that they work with on a daily basis.
They have assured employees that the process will ensure that their carer workforce are able to keep providing the best quality care to all of the individuals and families that they support. The plan is for this process to be finalised in the coming weeks.
Allied spoke of the significant funding pressures on their customers – local authorities and the NHS, and explained that they are currently working to address the short-term pressures facing the business and transition to a business plan that resolves these pressures.
They went on to suggest that following this, the business will be in good financial health, supported by a strong and sustainable business plan and ongoing investment in health and social care operations across the UK.
Allied Healthcare also insisted that it would not impact employment or payment of staff, adding that it was business as usual for Allied Healthcare and their employees.
A spokesperson for the company said: “As with many independent providers in the UK health and social care sector, Allied Healthcare has been operating in a highly challenging environment for a sustained period of time, which has placed pressure on the company.
“As a result of these challenges, Allied Healthcare has submitted a proposal for a Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA) to its creditors for their consideration, as part of a prospective business plan that will ensure safe continuity of care across our UK-wide operations, place the company on a sustainable long-term footing, and maximise repayments to creditors.
“The proposed CVA will not impact on the safe continuity of care that Allied Healthcare provides across the UK.
“Under the CVA plan in consideration, there would be no redundancies or branch closures as a result of its implementation.
“Allied Healthcare will continue to trade safely and it remains business as usual for Allied Healthcare employees and customers.”
A CVA allows a company with debt problems or that is insolvent to reach a voluntary agreement with its business creditors regarding repayment of all, or part of its corporate debts over an agreed period of time.
The application for a CVA can be made by the agreement of all directors of the company, the legal administrators of the company, or the appointed company liquidator.
Allied Healthcare have written to all clients to let them know that they will continue to receive the same level of care and their care plans will not change.
Community
Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity
THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.
Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.
The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.
Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.
Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.
(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)
Business
Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure
PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.
The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.
The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.
A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”
Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.
Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.
From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.
Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.
(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)
Community
Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend
ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.
In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”
Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.
Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.
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