Staff say they haven’t been paid by firm

Investors in The Scarborough Comet, a paper launched by businesswoman Jo Swift, want to know what’s happening with their cash.

The paper hasn’t been published for months and its office is closed.

Disgruntled ex-employees contacted The Scarborough News claiming they are still waiting for wages, months after it was announced work would stop on the paper in order for it to be “rebranded”.

“We were basically told a few days before pay day that we wouldn’t be getting paid for that month that we had worked,” said one worker, who requested not to be named.

“We were told that we would be paid within the month from us leaving, which then turned into July and is now going to be December – apparently.

“It is technically still an active business so I can’t even claim back money from the Government until the business goes into liquidation.”

Before its office closed, a “crowd-funding” campaign was set up to try to pull in thousands of pounds from any individual, group or company to help pay for a digital apprentice.

Crowd-funding relies on donations in exchange for perks, which in this case included a free subscription and hoodie clothing.

Donors are said to have included McCain, who gave £1,000. The firm declined to comment.

But several firms have spoke of their concerns.

Some traders said attempts to try to contact Mrs Swift on Facebook have resulted in them being blocked.

Others say they feel let down over the lack of communication from The Comet over what’s happening with the cash.

The Scarborough News made several attempts to contact Jo Swift, who is understood to be away in Burma, through Facebook. However, she blocked our reporter.

North Yorkshire County Council advise any employees who are owed money to contact the Citizens Advice Bureau.