Staff at failed travel firm ‘owed extra pay’

hUNDrEDs of ex-thomas cook staff based across greater Manchester could be owed thousands of pounds extra pay due to a little-known labour law, according to an employment lawyer.

aneil balgobin, of simpson Millar solicitors, says thomas cook staff who were told not to come into work on Monday are likely to be able to claim up to 90 extra days’ gross pay on top of their redundancy.

he says as staff were not consulted over their collective redundancy, they are able to claim under ‘protective award’ employment law.

Under the trade Union and labour relations (consolidation) act 1992 anyone who has been made redundant at a workplace with more than 20 people can submit a claim.

Maintenance hangar crews, engineers and office staff and workers in thomas cook travel superstores whose workplace had more than 20 staff will be eligible to claim compensation.

Mr balgobin says his firm has already been approached by ex-employees.

the stretford-based firm is also representing former employees of Flybmi, Monarch and workers from failed restaurant chain Jamie’s italian.

Mr balgobin said: “i believe there will be hundreds of workers out there who worked at Manchester airport and the large travel superstores who could make a claim.

“Workers need to know that they have the right to this extra money. it is clear in this case there has been of breach of the act and that there are valid grounds for a claim.

“there is no doubt that the affected staff and their families are going to need ongoing financial support and although this law is very niche, it is in place to protect workers in exactly this type of situation.

“any money is on top of statutory redundancy, notice pay and accrued holiday pay which is paid by a government fund.

“We are happy to talk anyone through the process and help them get back on their feet at this difficult time.”

thomas cook went into administration on Monday, leaving 3,000 staff across greater Manchester without a job.