UNION bosses claim Kwik Save staff were put in an impossible position by being asked to work unpaid.

A judge agreed last week to give the struggling Huddersfield-based company another week to put together a refinancing package.

Bosses are trying to save the remaining 145 stores following the closure of 81 branches.

And they told the judge at the Chancery court in Manchester that workers had agreed to go without wages to stave off administration. It followed an informal canvass of staff.

But Joanne McGuiness, of shopworkers’ union Usdaw, said the decision to adjourn the hearing would only prolong employees’ difficulties.

She said: “The reality remains that another adjournment won’t remove the uncertainty for our members, who were asked to make an almost impossible choice yesterday.

“Usdaw scheduled a meeting with the company, where we will be making it crystal clear that we expect our members to be paid as the very first priority if the court gives the go ahead for a rescue package.”

The union has asked Kwik Save management to offer hardship loans to staff to tide them over until tomorrow.

Ms McGuiness added: “Usdaw knows this is an unprecedented situation that has left our members facing incredible hardship and they can rest assured we will do everything we can over the next week to make sure they have enough money to put food on the table.

“Usdaw now hopes that Thursday will see a final decision that will allow our members a resolution to what has been a desperate time for hard working staff.”