T
he Prime Minister has pledged full help for these impacted by Wilko’s collapse and its ensuing lay-offs.
Rishi Sunak’s feedback had been in response to Tory former minister Brendan Clarke-Smith, who urged the Government to safeguard redundancies and pensions, and maintain the corporate’s possession accountable for the chain’s demise.
The retailer, based in Leicester in 1930, plunged into administration final month after scuffling with losses.
Earlier this week, directors confirmed all Wilko’s remaining store, warehouse and help centre employees are set to lose their jobs after failing to safe a rescue deal.
The Business Secretary is retaining near developments and now we have already began supporting those that have been made redundant, and we stand able to help others to the fullest of our skills
Speaking at Prime Minister’s Questions, Mr Clarke-Smith stated: “This week we were hit by the devastating news that all Wilko stores would be closing, meaning the loss of 12,500 jobs.
“Bassetlaw and Worksop are the home of Wilko’s HQ and a distribution centre, with 1,500 jobs set to go.”
After arguing that “Wilko has been mismanaged for years”, he added: “Can the Prime Minister reassure my constituents and all those nationally affected by the demise of Wilko that he and the Government will do everything in their power to help support people into jobs and make sure their redundancies and pensions are protected, and that we will take whatever action is available to us to hold the ownership to account?”
The PM replied: “As he knows, some of the topics that he raised will be commercial matters for the company.
“I do know that this is a concerning time for workers at Wilko. The Business Secretary is keeping close to developments and we have already started supporting those who have been made redundant, and we stand ready to support others to the fullest of our abilities.”
On Tuesday, Poundland proprietor Pepco agreed to purchase as much as 71 Wilko shops following the collapse of the excessive avenue chain.
PwC, directors for Wilko, stated Pepco has sealed a deal which can see the shops reopened beneath the Poundland model.
Workers on the shops is not going to be transferred straight as a part of the transfer however Poundland has stated it can “prioritise” present Wilko employees for roles when the outlets are opened beneath the brand new model.
