The company is today briefing staff that they will be paying all Primark Bank Buildings staff until Monday 31 December 2018. They are aiming to have them back in work from Monday 17 September and will be allocating individuals to other Primark stores. The company is holding one-to-one discussions with staff to ensure that important issues like additional travel expenses are resolved.

Paddy Lillis – Usdaw General Secretary says: “Usdaw has been supporting our members and reps affected by the fire through this very difficult period and we have been working closely with the company to get the best possible deal for them. What we have agreed so far provides some future security for staff and we will continue to support, advise and represent our members through the transitional period and beyond.

“This has been a tough time for the staff and all concerned and it is going to take time to get things back to normal, if that is even possible. We welcome the company restating their commitment to Belfast and we will be working with them to deliver on that.”

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