NORTH-EAST workers who lost their jobs after the closure of two shipyards were awarded less than £2,000 each by an industrial tribunal yesterday.

The tribunal, in Newcastle, found that Cammell Laird Shipbuilders and receivers PricewaterhouseCooper failed to properly consult with unions over the closure of shipyards in Tyneside and Teesside, in 1999, resulting in more than 1,000 job losses.

The tribunal agreed to a protective award pay-out, totalling £2.5m, which, according to Jimmy Skivington, regional organiser for the GMB union, will mean about £1,900 for each worker.

Ian Davies, of Amicus (formerly the AEEU), said the amount each worker would receive was a pittance.

"It's a hollow victory. We'd much rather have our members in work than being in receipt of a compensatory pay-out which does not cover the cost of living."

The £2.5m will be paid out by the Government, which appointed the receivers.

Cammell Laird declined to comment last night