Government moves to prevent Carillion collapse spreading

The government's Insolvency Council has recommended that Carillion's 20,000 UK staff go to work as normal, even in the wake of the firms headline grabbing collapse.

The 20,000 workers, many of whom are cleaners or working in the cleaning and hygiene sector, have been promised that they will continue to get paid amidst the uncertainty. Payments to those receiving pensions are expected to continue at a reduced rate. 

Other companies have drawn up contingency plans for the fallout and Theresa May's official spokesman said that a decision has yet to be taken whether Carillion's pubic sector contracts will be taken in house. Carillion had provided cleaning services to NHS hospitals around the country as well as cleaning and hygiene services at schools, libraries, airports and prisons. 

Carillion has debts of roughly £1bn and a £600m pension deficit. it is also being investigated by the Financial Conduct Authority.