The case was taken on by GMB on behalf of thousands of members who lost their job when the discount store went into administration.
The fight for better rights and conditions for workers against exploitative employers is continuing, with the GMB union securing a massive payout for former Wilko workers, after the company failed to properly consult with them before going bust.
The GMB says that almost 10,000 former Wilko workers will share a pay out of £2 million after it won a legal case.
A judgement handed down by the Employment Tribunal this week ruled that Wilko had failed to properly consult with workers prior to going bust in 2023.
As a result, around 9,000 former staff who worked in a store with 20 or more people will get 4 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.
David Bartlett, former Wilko worker and GMB rep, said: “It has been a long, hard, slog getting this money – the very least Wilko workers deserve after the way they were treated.
“In 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.”
Wilko crashed into administration back in 2023, closing 400 stores and leaving thousands without a job.
Basit Mahmood is editor of Left Foot Forward
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