CONTRACTORS who have gone weeks without being paid after a company was hit by a cyber attack have called in specialist lawyers.

Payroll firm Parasol, which is based on Centre Park near Warrington town centre, was subjected to the ‘malicious attack’ on January 10.

The incident caused its systems to go down, and remained offline for some time.

More than a month later, it is believed that some service users have still not been paid for work carried out as long ago as last year.

Others claimed to have been given erroneously low sums, including one client who received a payment of 2p instead of £613.14.

Specialist data breach firm Hayes Connor is now calling on the company to provide more details to affected services users who have been in contact with the lawyers.

Parasol previously stated that the incident may have led to personal data being compromised, but has not provided further updates on the matter.

Legal expert Richard Forrest, who is examining the case, said: “This is yet another incredibly worrying incident related to data security.

“It is made even more concerning when you consider that umbrella companies can hold significant, sensitive data related to contractors.

“The reports on this case suggest that it clearly needs to be thoroughly investigated.

“Put simply, the contractors affected deserve some important answers regarding what has happened.

“At the very least, they need to know what has been compromised and how much is out there.

“The incident also apparently led to issues with pay, so the ongoing lack of information only serves to add insult to injury.

“For now, we are working to support those who have contacted us and are determined to help them get the answers that they deserve.”

Parasol’s parent company Optionis Group said in a statement: "We are in the process of reviewing all of the data that has been leaked by the cyber criminal gang in order to be able to notify individuals in line with our legal obligations.

"This review is a complex process which will inevitably take time, but we are putting significant resources behind it and working with specialist IT experts to ensure that it is done as quickly and efficiently as possible.

"We would like to thank our employees, clients and partners for their support and patience while we continue to respond to this incident."