THE MAJORITY of Wilko stores will close in the next week, a union has claimed.
GMB union said they had been informed there is no longer any prospect the business will be saved.
AlamyThe majority of Wilko stores will close in the next week, a union has claimed[/caption]
The union, which represents more than 3,000 of Wilko’s nearly 12,500 employees, said an attempt to rescue the high-street retailer had fallen through.
Administrators at PwC, who now control the company, had been looking at bids from several potential buyers, according to insiders.
But after weeks of uncertainty, Sky News today reported that in a meeting, they had been told most of the 400 stores could not be saved.
GMB Union said: “This means redundancies for staff in store and at call centres will begin during the coming week.
“Some stores may be bought, either individually or as part of larger packages, but significant job losses are now expected.”
However, a PwC spokesman denied plans to close stores next week were taking place.
They said that all stores currently remain open but accepted there will likely be redundancies and store closures in the future.
He said: “Since our appointment as administrators of Wilko we have held extensive discussions with parties who expressed an interest in buying all or part of the business.
“While discussions continue with those interested in buying parts of the business, it’s clear that the nature of this interest is not focused on the whole Group.
“Sadly, it is therefore likely that there will be redundancies and store closures in the future and it has today been necessary to update employee representatives.
“We know this will further add to the uncertainty felt by workers. We will be supporting staff through this deeply unsettling time, working closely with the government, JobCentre plus, unions and large employers to maximise possibilities for a rapid return to work for employees in the event of redundancies.
“In the immediate term, all stores remain open, continue to trade and staff continue to be paid. Contrary to speculation, there are currently no plans to close any stores next week.”
Andy Prendergast, GMB National Secretary, said: “GMB Union will continue to support members through this process and will fight to ensure members are consulted as per the law and that you receive every penny you are entitled to.
“We will fight to ensure Wilko bosses are held accountable for the simple reason our members deserve so much better.
“GMB will not forget the incompetence that has led to this collapse and will we not forget the dividends paid to the millionaires who gambled your jobs on their whims.”
Mr Prendergast also said that Wilko had paid out millions in dividends to shareholders even as it was close to collapse.
It had been reported that several parties are interested in saving the beloved discount chain.
And there were hopes that a buyer could still aim to keep a large number of Wilko shops open.
Fellow bargain retailers like Poundland and B&M, as well as Laura Ashley owner Gordon Brothers, had been rumoured to be among the businesses considering buying Wilko.
But the news today means there will likely be redundancies in store and across call centres.