The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word TOOLBOXES
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
T
O
O
L
B
O
X
E
S
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "manual workers’ cases" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case manual workers’ cases = toolboxes.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does TOOLBOXES mean?
TOOLBOXES noun- A storage case for tools.
- A set of pre-existing routines for use in writing new programs.
- Dumbass or idiot.