10,000 Wilko workers to get £2m pay out

Almost 10,000 former Wilko workers have been awarded a £2m pay out after the high street retailer failed to properly consult with workers prior to going bust in 2023.  

It comes as the GMB union said it had won a legal case on behalf of thousands of members who lost their jobs when the discount store went into administration,

As per the judgement handed down by the Employment Tribunal, around 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.

Wilko, founded by JK Wilkinson in 1930, fell into administration in early August 2023. 

In an open letter, CEO Mark Jackson said the business had left “no stone unturned” in an attempt to keep the business afloat but has conceded it has “no choice but to take the difficult decision to enter into administration”.

The collapse of the firm resulted in 400 store closures and put nearly 12,500 jobs at risk.

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.”