Don't think it's hardly fair to to blame the op for this
It's not something most people would ever think of checking and unless the bolts hanging out you wouldn't think anything is wrong by sight

I assume they did the MOT, failed it, did the remedial work, and then passed the MOT?

If so, it's quite alarming that the MOT tester didn't spot this problem when re-testing. Perhaps they "rubber stamped" it, having not looked at it again, and just trusted the fitter had put the suspension back together properly.

IMO this topic might contain as many pages as needed by the OP to get what he asked for. That's the purpose of a forum: discussing about various topics, not a simple question/answer thing ! Let forumers give their opinion, there will always be something good to learn ...

BRs, Bernie

If someone here helped You fix -or better, understand- your issue, hit the thanks icon @ bottom right corner, it's free and makes us feel helpy ;-)

I agree with Berne. Forums are here for other to help and learn. Regardless if it goes twenty pages, if your tired of reading it just unsubscribe. The rules of the forum about treating new members clearly states about how it should be done. Remember we were all once noobs who didn't check oil levels and screen wash until we decided to.learn. I'm sure the op of this thread has had a lesson taught and will now be doing more checks but agree that this could be missed by any DIYer, I personally never inspect my hub bolts but will do now, simple turn of the wheel I.guess.

In addition a tool for you and all of us to use. If you go onto website called resolver.com it is a free website that helps you draft a letter and sends it to relevant departments and escalates it automatically to upper hierarchy should nothing come back. Give it a look and it will be your new best friend.

I would also put this on fb and tag halfords in it, as let's face it you could have died due to their negligence...just think about that a moment. They need to be held accountable and not just 'Well we put all back together'. I mean how can you trust them now even after they have 'Re done" it. I would want another garage to double check their work at halfords expense and compensation for etc etc.

You moving forward: if you get on YouTube and simply type in how to check your car weekly, u will see how to check your fluids and suspension etc that won't require tools just eyes , a torch and a piece of tissue and tyre pump. And maybe after you do that awhile you will get the bug and become a full fledged DIYer. [emoji3]

Been off the forum for a few days, so only just seen this.

These bolts are often very difficult to remove when they've been on for a few years. So any nut coming undone must be due to not being tightened properly, or perhaps not fitted.
My guess is, done finger tight, ready to be tightened once all was fitted and aligned, then forgotten. Halfords responsibility, which they have accepted.

OP suggests taking to another garage for inspection - a good idea. Halfords will have taken care to get it right this time, but may not have spent as much money as they should, or they might have done everything and more to ensure no comeback. All the items below need checking/comfirming. Need a smaller local garage that is well established, so trading on reputation.

1. New bolts and nuts must be used.
2. Whilst the wear to the hub holes is acceptable, any wear to the strut should result in a replacement strut, and due to their age, that means a pair.
3. New brake hose must be fitted.
4. Gearbox oil seal at driveshaft needed inspecting carefully for damage and replaced if necessary. Now needs watching for leaks, and if it leaks, needs replacing.
5. Gearbox oil level needs checking.