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Former Wilko workers win share of £2 million payout

Almost 10,000 former workers of Nottinghamshire-based Wilko are getting a share of a £2 million payout over how the company handled its collapse.

Union GMB said a judgement handed down by an employment tribunal this week ruled the firm had failed to properly consult with workers in the lead-up to going bust in 2023.

It means about 9,000 former staff who worked in a store with 20 or more people will get four days pay, while roughly 1,100 who worked in a distribution centre or support centre role will get 13 days pay.

The case was taken on by GMB on behalf of thousands of members who lost their job when the discount store went into administration in August 2023.

The collapse led to the loss of 12,000 jobs nationwide. The company’s head office and one of its major distribution centres was in Worksop, Bassetlaw.

Local job losses totalled more than 2,000 roles.

David Bartlett, former Wilko worker and GMB rep, said: WIt has been a long, hard, slog getting this money – the very least Wilko workers deserve after the way they were treated.

WIn no way will this make up for the stress and anxiety they faced during those dark days in 2023.

“But GMB hopes it will give them a much-needed boost as they move on with their new lives and careers.”

By early 2024 around two-thirds of Nottinghamshire Wilko staff made redundant after the retailer collapsed had found new job, a council report said.