JMW mulls JJB Sports group action

LAW firm JMW Solicitors is considering launching a group employment action on behalf of former JJB Sports staff.

The Wigan-based retailer axed around 2,200 jobs after closing more than 130 shops after no buyer could be found.

More than 20 people have contacted the Manchester firm, which is dealing with the cases on a no-win, no-fee basis.

Despite the demise of the business, JMW says there are three ways former JJB employees may become part of the Group Action,  whether the shop they worked in has been brought out of administration now or not.

All dismissed employees are entitled to notice pay of up to 12 weeks depending upon length of service,  and up to six weeks’ accrued holiday pay which if unpaid, can to some extent be recovered from the Department of Business Innovation and Skills (BIS).
 
Staff who have worked at a store with more than 20 employees will be entitled to become part of a collective bargaining group and pursue further compensation of up to eight weeks’ pay from BIS.

Thirdly if a store has been acquired and an employee has not been offered back their old job  it may be possible to take action against the new employer.

JMW said that each employee may well recover several thousands of pounds and possibly more depending upon how the case progresses.

Employment partner Carl Moran said: ““Our experience in recent similar group actions has been that as soon as we begin to receive enquiries from employees, the case quickly gathers momentum and we are able to drive the case forward by establishing a critical mass of employees wishing to join in with the claim.

“These cases can often be hard fought, but that is what we are here for, it is what we are good at, and we expect a successful outcome.”