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Text message boss killed in crash Text message boss killed in crash
(10 minutes later)
The former boss of a no-win no-fee compensation firm which told its 2,500 staff by text they would not be paid has been killed in a car crash.The former boss of a no-win no-fee compensation firm which told its 2,500 staff by text they would not be paid has been killed in a car crash.
Mark Langford, 43, from Cheshire, fled to the continent after Manchester-based The Accident Group (TAG) collapsed with debts of £100m in May 2003.Mark Langford, 43, from Cheshire, fled to the continent after Manchester-based The Accident Group (TAG) collapsed with debts of £100m in May 2003.
Mr Langford's car was involved in an accident in Marbella, Spain, on Monday, the Foreign Office said.Mr Langford's car was involved in an accident in Marbella, Spain, on Monday, the Foreign Office said.
He was being sought by HM Revenue and Customs for £4.1m in unpaid tax.He was being sought by HM Revenue and Customs for £4.1m in unpaid tax.
It is thought the businessman was at the wheel when his car went off the motorway near the resort. He died in hospital later.It is thought the businessman was at the wheel when his car went off the motorway near the resort. He died in hospital later.
No other cars were thought to be involved and police have started an investigation into the cause of the incident.No other cars were thought to be involved and police have started an investigation into the cause of the incident.
Bankruptcy hearing class="" href="/1/hi/england/manchester/6541477.stm">The story of TAG's collapse
Mr Langford famously informed TAG staff that they were out of a job in a text message which read: "Urgent. Unfortunately salaries not paid. Please do not contact office. Full details to follow later...."Mr Langford famously informed TAG staff that they were out of a job in a text message which read: "Urgent. Unfortunately salaries not paid. Please do not contact office. Full details to follow later...."
In March, a bankruptcy petition hearing against Mr Langford was adjourned at London's High Court. It was due to resume on 1 May.In March, a bankruptcy petition hearing against Mr Langford was adjourned at London's High Court. It was due to resume on 1 May.
In addition to this action, The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) was seeking to disqualify Mr Langford as a director.In addition to this action, The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) was seeking to disqualify Mr Langford as a director.
His wife Deborah was also included in the DTI action. Three other former directors are already disqualified.His wife Deborah was also included in the DTI action. Three other former directors are already disqualified.
Trade unions used the "text incident" incident to press for stronger employment laws in the UK.Trade unions used the "text incident" incident to press for stronger employment laws in the UK.
'Sad situation''Sad situation'
Ministers brought in new rights to compel companies to consult staff over major changes affecting their future to prevent similar cases.Ministers brought in new rights to compel companies to consult staff over major changes affecting their future to prevent similar cases.
Trade union worker Alec McFadden, who represented the interests of sacked workers in the TAG liquidation, described Mr Langford's death as "a sad end".Trade union worker Alec McFadden, who represented the interests of sacked workers in the TAG liquidation, described Mr Langford's death as "a sad end".
He said: "As a human being, I am sad that a man has died, but it's right to say that the people I represent had their lives turned upside down by the actions of a company that Mark Langford was in charge of.He said: "As a human being, I am sad that a man has died, but it's right to say that the people I represent had their lives turned upside down by the actions of a company that Mark Langford was in charge of.
"Some of them ended up in poverty, others ended up getting divorced, some have never really managed to get another reasonable job."Some of them ended up in poverty, others ended up getting divorced, some have never really managed to get another reasonable job.
"It's a sad situation for everyone, and a sad end to the life of a man who did have a damaging effect on the lives of thousands of people.""It's a sad situation for everyone, and a sad end to the life of a man who did have a damaging effect on the lives of thousands of people."