HOPES that axed workers could be offered jobs at their former workplace have been dashed by supermarket giant Waitrose.

In February 2006, more than 1,000 workers first learned that employers Morrisons was to cease operations and sell its warehouse in Forstal Road, Aylesford, where many of them had worked for more than 20 years.

Then news came that Waitrose was to buy the warehouse, and bring 1,000 jobs back to the area, rekindling prospects for unemployed former workers.

But for many struggling ex-staff, their hopes have been extinguished once more.

Unemployed Stanley May, from Nettlestead, who worked as an order picker for 11 years, is among those to have been turned away.

The 51-year-old said: "They didn't even say why we didn't get jobs. We didn't even get interviews."

A Waitrose spokesman denied bias against former workers.

Jeff Goswell, senior organiser for the union GMB, said a survey of former workers was currently being conducted to assess the situation.

* See the Kent Messenger for the full story.