THE Royal Court could provide a last-gasp lifeline to get compensation for laid-off Woolworths staff.
Administrators Deloitte have to go to court to register their position in order before they touch the Jersey assets of Woolworths plc. The Viscount, Michael Wilkins, will attend the court hearing and will be asked to advise the court, which will have the power to freeze assets in Jersey.
Social Security Minister Ian Gorst hinted during Tuesday’s States debate that moves were being made by the Viscount to keep the Jersey assets here. He told the States: ‘I and officers have also received briefings from the Viscount on the amounts due to the Woolworths plc employees from an insolvency law perspective.
‘Assets in the form of property remain in Jersey in the name of Woolworths plc. The sale or assignment of that property will require the sanction of the Royal Court and the Viscount has advised me of the steps he has already taken and anticipates taking to identify and best protect any legal rights of the employees in this regard. I am satisfied that every effort is being made to protect the legal rights of the former Woolworths plc employees.’
