SHOPWORKERS’ union Usdaw will this week find out whether its bid to win compensation for retail staff at smaller branches of Woolworth and clothing chain Ethel Austin, which had branches in Shipley and Keighley, has succeeded.

On Thursday the European Court of Justice will deliver a final verdict on Usdaw’s case for members in stores of less than 20 employees to be included in the protective awards against both companies.

John Hannett, Usdaw general secretary, said: ‘‘ A protective award was made by an employment tribunal and workers in stores of over 20 staff were paid years ago.

“Justice for the staff in stores of less than 20 employees is long overdue."