Thousands of former Wilko staff to receive £2m payout following legal case

The GMB union brought a case forward on behalf of Wilko workers following mass redundancies as the chain collapsed in 2023.

A judgement ruled by the Employment Tribunal ruled that Wilko had failed to consult properly with its colleagues before going bust.

Following the ruling, around 9,000 former staff who worked in a store with 20 or more people will receive four days pay.

A further approximate of 1,100 colleagues who worked in a distribution centre or support centre role will get 13 days pay.

GMB rep and former Wilko worker David Bartlett 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.” 

After collapsing in late 2023, Wilko was soon acquired by CDS superstores, which owns The Range and Homebase.

It is slowly rebuilding the Wilko brand with a small number of stores reopened across the country.