A WELL-KNOWN home improvements company has collapsed leaving at least 100 people out of work less than a week before Christmas.

Workers at Apple Home Improvements have had their contracts terminated and have been warned the company will be placed into formal insolvency "as soon as possible."

Employees received letters on Wednesday morning telling them their contracts ended immediately.

Many were in tears as the devastating news was delivered less than a week before Christmas.

Self-employed sub-contractors were told they would not be paid by text message.

Bournemouth Echo:

And many customers have been left in the lurch with half-finished work or lost deposits.

Director Scott Hill spoke to employees before handing out letters.

The letters said: " I regret to advise you that the company is no longer in a position to make payments to you for services rendered under its contract of employment to you.

"It is my intention to place the company into a formal insolvency process as soon as possible.

"Once the company is formally insolvent you will be able to make a claim to the Redundancy Payments Services in respect of monies that are owed to you."

One employee, who worked at Apple's offices in Aviation Business Park at Bournemouth Airport, said Mr Hill told them the company has major debts and is unable to pay its suppliers.

The employee who contacted the Echo, but who does not wish to be named, said staff were "dumbfounded" and many were in tears.

However, she said that alarms bells had rung for the staff on Monday when it was announced that all jobs were being cancelled for the week.

Bournemouth Echo:

Sub-contractors were sent texts telling them to cancel all jobs until the New Year, she said.

The staff member said that the firm had a big order book with hundreds of jobs in the pipeline but many existing customers were dissatisfied and were withholding payment or taking legal action against Apple.

She said: "Nearly everyone that called seemed to be unhappy with the work. Ninety-ninety per cent of my calls were from angry, frustrated, sad customers."

"My heart breaks for the people who were hoping to have the work on their homes finished before Christmas," she added.

A sub-contractor told us: "There are loads of people who have been left in the lurch by this. I was working on a conservatory this morning and now it's covered with a tarpaulin and won't be finished.

"Lots of people will be in the same boat. It's disgusting to do this at any time, let alone right on top of Christmas"

Apple Home Improvements, well-known for its windows, doors and conservatories business, is based in the Aviation Business Park at Bournemouth Airport.

It also offers roof insulation, cladding, artificial grass, porches, fascias and guttering.

The company has showrooms in Bournemouth, West Parley, Southampton and Weymouth, which are closed today.