A FIRM of bailiffs which has not paid a former employee more than £6,000 in compensation could itself be visited by debt collectors.

In December, an employment tribunal ruled that Philips Recovery Service, of Darlington, had constructively dismissed staff member Jackie Ellison.

Ms Ellison took the company to tribunal, saying she had been demoted without explanation.

The firm was given 42 days to pay up but, after failing to comply, lawyers representing Ms Ellison are to go back to court.

"Philips have not paid the money they owe, so we're taking them back to court," said Ms Ellison's legal advisor, Alasdair Ross.

"This was an employment tribunal judgement. They were given time to pay but they've missed all their deadlines. If they were going to pay this money, they would have done so by now.

"We are now going to apply for a county court judgement which will enable bailiffs to recover the money from Philips.

"If they don't pay up, we expect that the court will instruct bailiffs to recover the money forcibly."

Ms Ellison's complaints were upheld after a three-day tribunal in Newcastle in December.

She said managers demoted her without giving a reason, and refused to look into her grievances despite several complaints. She resigned in May last year.

The tribunal ordered Philips to pay Ms Ellison £6,105.

"Jackie is distraught now," said Mr Ross. "She was happy with the tribunal judgement but she needs this money to move on with her life."

Ms Ellison said yesterday: "It is costing me a lot of money in solicitors' fees to fight this, but I will take Philips to any court in the country if I have to.

"They can't get away with treating people like this."

Philips Debt Recovery has offices in Telford House, Darlington, and the Faverdale Industrial Estate on the outskirts of town.

A spokesperson for Philips declined to comment yesterday.