Dave Gill - National Officer says: "There is always uncertainty for staff about the future in a takeover situation. So we are continuing discussions with Poundland to safeguard the terms and conditions of employment and secure jobs. We will meet with Steinhoff in due course to progress those priorities.

“Usdaw has a good and productive relationship with Poundland and we will be seeking a similar approach from Steinhoff. In the meantime we are providing our members with the support, advice and representation they require.”

Notes for editors:

Usdaw (Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers) is the UK's fourth biggest and the fastest growing trade union with over 430,000 members. Membership has increased by more than 17% in the last five years and by nearly a third in the last 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