Dave Gill – Usdaw National Officer says: “Today’s news that Sports Direct are to close four more stores in the new year is devastating news for the staff affected.

“House of Fraser staff have so far been frozen out of the discussions about the future of the business and are largely hearing about developments through the media. With the management team being dismissed, seven stores closing, the future of others not yet settled and no clear business strategy laid out, there are still a great deal of uncertainties for staff, who are key to the success of the company.

“It is crucial that staff are treated with dignity and fairness and that is best done by engaging with Usdaw as the trade union for House of Fraser staff, providing a collective voice. We are seeking talks with Sports Direct and clarity for the staff. Nobody is really sure what Mike Ashley means when he says he wants to transform House of Fraser into ‘the Harrods of the high street’.

“In the meantime we are providing our members with the support, advice and representation they require at this very difficult time.”

Notes for editors:
 
Usdaw (Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers) is the UK's fifth biggest and the fastest growing trade union with around 430,000 members. Membership has increased by more than 28% over the decade. Most Usdaw members work in the retail sector, but the union also has many members in transport, distribution, food manufacturing, chemicals and other trades.
 
For Usdaw press releases visit: http://www.usdaw.org.uk/news and you can follow us on Twitter @UsdawUnion