Former employees at Budget supermarket chain Kwik Save, who were made redundant last week, have been assured they will receive money owned to them later this month, with some also being given a helping hand in finding work with other retailers.
The supermarket closed 79 stores overnight, making around 800 of the company’s staff redundant in the process, which the chain said was essential to ensure the future of the business .
Retailer union Usdaw said it has met with senior Kwik Save managers to emphasise that the closure of the stores was not appropriate notice to loyal employees.
The union confirmed that affected workers will receive payment on 21 June after discussions were held to establish when redundant staff would receive their statutory redundancy pay, any enhanced or ex-gratia payments, pay in lieu of notice and frozen holiday pay where applicable.
Usdaw National Officer Joanne McGuiness commented: “Usdaw had no prior knowledge of the closures but we scheduled a meeting with Kwik Save to make sure our members would get the money they were entitled to.”
“Usdaw will now be contacting our Kwik Save members to tell them that they will be paid on 21 June which we hope will help set their minds at rest during what is a worrying time for them.”
Some of the workers fired after closures to six stores in the North East and North Yorkshire will also be given a chance to work thanks to a partnership formed by supermarket groups Co op and Morrisons with Usdaw.
McGuiness added: “The Co-op and Morrisons have already indicated they are interested in talking to former Kwik Save staff, who are often hugely experienced and have done a magnificent job in keeping their former stores open.”
“Usdaw is talking to other retailers who, we hope, will offer their support too, and although there is no guarantee that everyone will find work, we are committed to making sure every retailer knows that there is a chance to take on experienced staff who will add real value to their business .”
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