A union has criticised bosses of a historic printing firm which closed suddenly last week, saying staff are still unaware if they will be paid.

Administrators are poised to be appointed at Stones Ashford, formed after the takeover of Headley Brothers, one of Kent’s oldest printing companies.

The troubled firm was sold to Oxfordshire print business Henry Stones hours after tumbling into administration in March, in a deal which rescued 113 jobs.

In a shock move, the Ashford business closed shortly after 3pm on Friday, November 17.

It is understood the company had an unpaid electricity bill, totalling tens of thousands of pounds.

The union Unite accused Henry Stones bosses of going into hiding after the closure “leaving the workforce in limbo not knowing whether the future means a new owner or the firm going into administration”.

The company remained tight-lipped about the closure, despite repeated requests for a comment by Kent Business.

Unite regional officer Phil Silkstone called for guarantees staff will be paid.

He said: “Loyal workers at Stones Ashford face an uncertain Christmas thanks to the contemptable behaviour of Henry Stone Printers.

"Bosses should be under no illusion that Unite will use every tool at its disposal to ensure the Stones Ashford workforce get their hard earned wages and are treated with respect.”

One member of staff said: “Everyone went into work as normal but we were called in for a meeting. The power went off and the place went into darkness.

“We were told not to come back. The firm has been going since the 1800s and the people working there were lifers, but they were unrepentant about closing.

“There was a lot of loyalty there and people had worked there for decades. It was not just a job, they were proud to work there.”

It is understood letters have been sent to suppliers and clients about the sudden closure.

Speaking when Stones Ashford was formed, managing director of the newly-created subsidiary, Richard Walsh, said: “It has always been a well-established company and a key player in the print industry.

“It has the potential to grow back into a good business again.

“It needs a period of stability and strong management which can drive it forward again.”

Headley Brothers was founded in 1881 by brothers Herbert and Burgess Headley to print paper bags, bill heads and circulars for Ashford businesses.

The venture was such a success the brothers decided to launch a newspaper, releasing the Kent Examiner & Ashford Chronicle with Barham Boorman, who was also founder of the Kent Messenger.