A CLAIM for £159,000 in outstanding pay and benefits is being made by a Worcester man against his former employers, Matalan Retail Ltd and Matalan plc.

Richard Roe, of Fels Avenue, Harley Warren, Warndon Villages, Worcester, was divisional director of retail for Matalan's west division from September 2002 to April 2003, when he was dismissed.

No reason was given for his dismissal, but Mr Roe claims he was made redundant when the west division was closed down.

He says he had no opportunity to bring a claim for unfair dismissal because he was not allowed to serve the six months' notice agreed in his contract and did not therefore have a year's continuous service with the company.

As a result of not being allowed to work his notice he also lost pay, car allowance and fuel benefit for the six-month period, as well as 12 days of holiday entitlement.

He also lost six months' private health care, bonus of £47,500 for 2002/2003 and 21,000 share options, currently valued at £1.82 each.

Mr Roe's solicitors have filed a writ in the Queen's Bench Division of the High Court against Matalan, claiming £159,502.31 plus interest, in outstanding pay, bonus and other benefits.

"Essentially we can't comment on specific employment disputes as we would think it would be inappropriate to do so before it was resolved through the proper channels," said Angela Wrigglesworth, a spokeswoman for Matalan.