Staff working for a north Cumbrian care service have been angered after they were left without wages for a month’s work.

Bosses at the Carlisle-based All Seasons Home Care have told workers that a banking issue was to blame.

Communications between the family-run business and workers shows that staff were informed of the news just a day before they were due to be paid for January’s hours.

It’s left some members of staff fearing for their long-time financial security as they battle with the non-payment.

The firm is run by Nina Glarvey, her son Michael and daughter Clair Jones.

Mrs Glarvey set up the business in 2005, initially from her home in Carlisle, before moving to Cecil Street and then Warwick Road.

As of February last year the firm was based in the city’s old register office in Portland Square.

One worker said: “Staff members were given the choice of all leaving and the company going into liquidation, in which case we would be at the bottom of the pile to be paid our money, or continue to work without receiving any wages and be paid for what we work in February.”

Another worker added: “This is money staff worked hard for over Christmas and the floods. I am concerned greatly by the lack of communication from the firm about the explanation given, unreasonable and unfair ultimatums and the lack of clarity in when they will pay us what is owed.”

As of last February, All Seasons provided home care to around 80 people in Carlisle district.

Around half were private clients and the rest were referred by the NHS or social services. In correspondence between the firm and staff from February 3, they told workers that the businesses had “handed back 11 calls out of the 130” they have. Following a staff meeting on the January 29, an unnamed worker described the situation as “utter chaos, with All Seasons unable to provide proper cover for all clients, staff members in tears unsure of the futures”.

Messages seen by the News & Star are understood to be from bosses to staff, explaining the situation. The first reads: “It is with huge regret that earlier today our bank has withdrawn its lending stream to us. This has been sudden and unexpected.

“The position it leaves All Seasons is that we are in effect now one month behind. As a result no monies can be released for payroll, which is something we have spent the day trying to resolve without success.

“This is the first time in our 10 years that this has happened. This of course hugely impacts all of you and we can only apologise sincerely for this. We have a plan to move forward but need urgent consultation with you all.”

It is understood that staff have been assured they will be paid this month, with January’s wages to be paid in instalments.

A manager with All Seasons Home Care said: “We stress that we continue to provide care for over 100 clients and still employ over 60 people. Care will not be affected.”

A Cumbria County Council spokesman said: “All Seasons is still contracted to provide home care to clients on behalf of the council.

“A small number of home care packages previously provided by All Seasons are now being provided by another contractor.”