Claims News


		This page gives general information about making claims along with news from colleagues about the progress they have made and the advice that they've received from helplines, advice centres and government departments. If in doubt please seek professional advice. We cannot accept responsibility for the accuracy of input from colleagues, which is presented in good faith. In some cases different call centres and organisations are giving widely differing advice. There are also variations between the law, or how it is interpreted in England and Scotland.
Government websites The UK Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform has a large 'Employment Matters' section on their website, with details about redundancy and your rights. http://www.berr.gov.uk/whatwedo/employment/index.html For the fastest access to all government employments advice directgov.co.uk aims to provide a one stop shop. You can find their employment section at: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Employment/index.htm The Insolvency Service, who have been administering redundancy payments and pay in lieu of notice for Woolworths Group personnel, have a website with details about how payments are calculated and how to complain if you believe your case has not been handled correctly: http://www.insolvency.gov.uk/. Job Centre Plus aim to provide a friendly one-stop shop service and are keen to help Woolies colleagues. Please ask them for any help you need. For jobs and other information you can also visit them on-line: Jobcentre Plus website (www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk)

Making a claim - members lend a hand We're very grateful to colleagues who have shared the advice they have received themselves from phone helplines and in face-to-face meetings. We salute Justine Merrett (formerly AM at 1251 Newport), Caroline Higley and David Kennett (from HO), Steve Walsh and Sean Marley (AM/SM of 1244 Scunthorpe), John Grewar (SM of 1002 Dunoon), Gerry McAloon (SM 355 Elgin), Liz Evans (166 Sterling) and Karen Ritson (663 Selby). Thank you! In summary the view is (1) it's worth registering a claim - there's nothing to lose by filling the form in (2) USDAW are now pursuing test cases both on behalf of stores colleagues (Grades A-E) and the management grades. If they win, potentially everyone in similar circumstances will receive extra compensation, like for example extra notice pay for the lack of a three month consultation (3) It's quite normal to get a 'rejection' or 'on hold' letter until the test cases are complete. We'll keep you posted on any news we get.

We're also grateful to June Greenman from 244 Ryde, IOW, and her husband Anthony, for passing on a link to USDAW's press release about the Protective Awards claim. Click here to read this.

	Thanks to Caroline Higley and Justine Merrett we have three downloads available to help: A blank ET1 claim form Guidance notes on how to fill the form in An example completed form from a colleague at 1251 Newport Click the links above to download and save the files in PDF format. Adobe Reader is available free by following this link.