A former employee of Bristol-based music company 3tone Limited has spoken out, claiming that many lives have been “all but ruined” after months of unpaid wages. Laurie Flood, whose employment was terminated without notice in November 2023, says he is owed around £11,000 in unpaid wages.
Earlier this year, 3tone faced allegations of failing to pay royalties to artists across the UK. Now, staff are coming forward with claims that they were also left without pay. Mr. Flood described the experience as “completely disheartening” and said he had to borrow money from friends and family to make ends meet while waiting for his wages.
In some instances, he even resorted to texting the company’s CEO, Dean Roberts, asking for small amounts of money to buy food. “I would maybe get it a couple of days later,” Mr. Flood said.
Flood began working for 3tone in November 2021 in what he described as a “dream job” in the company’s distribution arm. For the first year, things seemed to be going well, but by July 2023, the company began missing wage payments, and communication eventually stopped altogether.
Despite the lack of pay, Mr. Flood continued working for 3tone, believing the situation would improve. He worked full-time for three months, receiving only half a paycheck in August 2023 for his July work. Even after discovering that his employment had been terminated in November—without being informed—he continued working part-time, answering company emails late into the night.
Several other former staff members have similarly claimed that they were either terminated without notice or left due to the non-payment of wages. Some have filed employment tribunal claims against 3tone. In one notable case, US musician Troi Irons was awarded £20,000 after being flown to the UK to work for the company, only to be left in the same position—pleading for dinner money.
Employees also accuse CEO Dean Roberts of unprofessional behavior. One former staff member even lodged a complaint with Action Fraud, alleging that Roberts sent emails impersonating them after they had resigned.
3tone has also faced multiple reports to the Pensions Regulator for failing to pass on employees’ pension contributions, adding to the financial strain faced by staff.
A spokesperson for 3tone acknowledged the “considerable challenges” the company has faced over the last 18 months and expressed regret over the payment delays. “We are taking active steps to resolve the outstanding payments as quickly as possible and to fulfil all of our legal and contractual obligations,” the spokesperson said.
Despite the difficulties, the company remains operational, continuing to advertise its services. However, Mr. Flood, who now works for a London-based music organization, said the experience has had a “massive mental impact” on former staff, leaving them disillusioned and financially strained.
“We remain committed to stabilising the company’s operations and ensuring that we move forward in a manner that restores confidence in 3tone,” the company said in a statement.
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