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Network Journal 2005 Issue 3 |
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Usdaw steps in after Primark expands empire
Usdaw is seeking clarification from Littlewoods about the job prospects of its 2,700 high street staff after it sold its 120 stores to value clothing chain Primark for £409m.
The union is also seeking urgent clarification about which company will deal with possible redundancy deals for staff after it was revealed that retail restructuring specialists Hilco UK will be acting for Primark, owned by Associated British Foods, as they seek to dispose of around 80 high street stores to other retailers. The remainder will convert to Primark, giving the chain more than 160 sites.
Littlewoods have informed their staff that the 120 sites will continue to trade until March 2006 and that they will continue to be employed by Littlewoods.
"This is becoming an increasingly complicated situation and we need to sort out who is ultimately responsible for Littlewoods employees," said general secretary John Hannett.
"At least we have until March next year to resolve these issues. We have a long-standing, and very positive, relationship with Littlewoods who have been traditionally good employers, so we are hopeful we can keep our members fully informed.
"We'll also be holding talks with Hilco UK. We'll be making recommendations to whoever takes over the sites that they give Littlewoods staff first crack at any new jobs.
"This is a very difficult and unsettling time for them, but our members can rest assured that when we know something so will they."
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