Staff working who worked for Preston Guild Hall have begun to receive letters about missed pension payments.

Director of Operations at The People’s Pension Kevin Martin has begun writing to staff of Preston Guild Hall Ltd.

The company, which operated the Guild Hall until May this year, was placed into administration by Simon Rigby in June.

In a letter, seen by Blog Preston, Mr Martin writes to one staff member and states: “Our records show that your employer has not paid contributions on your behalf for the month of September 2018.”

Workplace pensions for the Guild Hall were provided by The People’s Pension.

Preston Guild Hall Ltd has been reported under pension legislation to The Pensions Regulation who will begin an investigation.

Asked about the issue by Blog Preston, Simon Rigby said: “I understand from the Administrator that there is £31,976 in total owing by PGHL.

“I do not know what priority for payment – if any – this has but it will be properly dealt with by the Administrator in due course.”

Mr Rigby lost the Guild Hall under forfeiture when Preston City Council reclaimed the building and terminated his lease in June.

The city council claimed Mr Rigby had made significant breaches of the lease. Mr Rigby is currently taking legal advice about the loss of the Guild Hall.

Read more: City council revealed what Simon Rigby owes is unpaid business rates

The city council is now in discussions with a number of operators to take on the Guild Hall.

The Charter Theatre and main venue remain mothballed, but the Arcade and units within the Guild Hall continue to trade.

Any staff concerned about their workplace pension under The People’s Pension can call 03002000555.

Read more: Simon Rigby’s insolvency hearing has been delayed