WORKERS made redundant with a text message believe they are in line for a payout from their former employer.

Nearly 150 people at the Washington, Tyne and Wear offices of The Accident Group lost their jobs when the personal injury specialist crashed last year with debts of £100m.

The way managers used the company mobile phones to inform workers of their fate caused an outcry and made national headlines.

It also led to a legal action by workers who said the company broke business laws by not giving them notice while withholding pay.

Union bosses believe a financial settlement will soon be agreed, after a meeting of solicitors representing former staff.