Pay–out hope for axed Ethel Austin and Woolworths staff

Thousands of former Ethel Austin and Woolworths staff who were denied pay-outs when the companies collapsed were given fresh hope of compensation yesterday.

Shopworkers’ union Usdaw won compensation worth nearly £70 million for 25,000 former employees of both companies.

But around 1,200 Ethel Austin and 3,000 Woolworths staff were denied because they worked in stores with fewer than 20 staff.

Now the chairman of the Employment Appeal Tribunal has granted Usdaw a full hearing to their arguable case, which is different under UK law.

Usdaw national officer John Gorle said the case could have far reaching implications for all workers facing redundancy.