Woolies staff to appeal for cash
Around 130 former Woolworths workers in the West Midlands are claiming thousands of pounds following the failure of the High Street giant, it was revealed today.
They are among around 3,000 staff across the country who are making claims against administrators Deloitte.
Unions believe Woolworths administrator Deloitte broke consultation rules when the chain folded just after Christmas.
Each worker will now appeal to an employment tribunal for a "protective award",which could amount to compensation of to up to 13 weeks pay.
Usdaw spokeswoman Cherry Hamilton said today a timescale for the tribunals was not yet clear, but that no resolution was likely to happen before November.
Woolworths branches across the Black Country and Staffordshire fell victim to the collapse during December and January, including outlets in Walsall, Wolverhampton, Dudley, Halesowen, West Bromwich, Bloxwich, Wednesbury, Stafford and Rugeley.
John Gorle, Usdaw national officer, said: "Employees gave their all in the final days of trading and were entitled to be treated better than this. Our members have lost out on their contractual severance payments."