Wilko store closures: Fears Britons have just days left before high street brand disappears
Wilko customers have been left concerned stores will shut their doors for good in just days - though administrators deny the claims
GB NEWS
Wilko customers have been left concerned stores will shut their doors for good in just days - though administrators deny the claims.
GMB Union, which represents more than 3,000 Wilko’s employees, claim it was told that “there is no longer any prospect that the majority of the business will be saved”.
Wilko announced earlier this month that it was going into administration - putting 12,500 jobs and its 400 stores at risk.
GMB has raised concerns over closures going ahead this week and claim "significant job losses are now expected".
Wilko announced earlier this month that it was going into administration - putting 12,500 jobs and its 400 stores at risk
PAA GMB spokesperson said: “Some stores may be bought, either individually or as part of larger packages, but significant job losses are now expected.”
Earlier this month, PwC was appointed as the administrator, and was tasked with attempting to find a buyer for the business.
But in contrary to the earlier statement from GMB, PwC say there were no plans to close stores next week and they would continue to remain open and trade "in the immediate term".
In a statement, PwC said: "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.
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"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."
It has been reported that the owner of fellow discount store Poundland, Pepco Group, was in discussions to acquire round 100 Wilko stores, while London-listed discount chain B&M European Retail could take on 40-50 shops.
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.
A Wilko store signPA"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."
Wilko, which sells everything from hardware goods to cleaning products, toys and gardening equipment, has an annual turnover of 1.2 billion pounds ($1.53 billion).
Following the collapse of Woolworths in 2008, Wilko - which is still family run - stepped up to fill the gaps left on High Streets.
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