Wilko workers deserve answers from the company that crushed their livelihoods, says GMB Union

Wilko bosses are to be hauled in front of a Parliamentary committee after the firm collapsed, costing thousands of jobs. 

On Tuesday, 28 November 2023, company chiefs will be grilled by MPs on the Business and Trade select committee. 

Earlier this month GMB – who will give evidence to the committee -wrote to newly elected select committee chair Liam Byrne MP asking him to hold Wilko to account. 

Discount high street retailer Wilko went bust earlier this year, leaving more than 10,000 workers without a job.  

Bosses shelled out £77m in dividends to themselves and shareholders during the past decade – and the Wilkinson family have not yet spoken questions about the business’ collapse. 

 Nadine Houghton, GMB National Officer who will give evidence to the committee, said: 

“It’s only right Wilko bosses should be forced to explain themselves to MPs. 

“They ignored all warnings about their company’s financial future - lining their own pockets and dishing out millions to shareholders before leaving 10,000 people jobless. 

“Wilko workers deserve answers from the company that crushed their livelihoods, while UK taxpayers will want to know why they’ve had today millions in redundancy payments. 

"Hopefully the select committee will get those answers.”