A UNION working on behalf of weaving technicians who were made redundant has helped to secure three out-of-court compensation settlements.

The Blackburn-based General Union of Overlookers made the most of recent changes to employment law to help two Rochdale men and a Burnley man receive payments of £1,000.

The men were among 22 people made redundant from E & M Manufacturing of Rochdale. All have since found new employment in the industry.

General secretary of the overlookers union Don Rishton said: "The changes to the law are connected with an employers duty to consult with a recognised body before making redundancies.

"Under the previous legislation we would not have had a case against this employer. A lot of people may miss out in these sort of cases because they are not aware of the changes which are often pushed through by European directives.

"What is needed is more employment advice and information so that employees know their rights. I believe the local authority needs to play a part in bringing about a change in this situation."

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