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Debenhams turmoil continues as 2,500 job losses announced - Usdaw calls for urgent talks and for administrators to follow the law

Date: 11 August 2020 Shopworkers’ trade union Usdaw is calling for urgent talks with Debenhams’ administrators as 2,500 shop and warehouse jobs are set to be axed. The union is deeply concerned that the necessary consultation processes are not taking place and are preparing a legal challenge on behalf of members affected.
Dave Gill - Usdaw National Officer says: “This is more devastating news for staff who have been working under the threat of store closures and job losses for some time, having seen the company go into administration. We have been contacted by members who say they are being made redundant by conference call, with no meaningful consultation or proper notice period, as required by law.
 
“That is an appalling way to treat staff. Yet again it is appears that the taxpayer will have to pick up the bill for what is owed to sacked staff because administrators are deliberately flouting the law. It's absolutely disgraceful that businesses can get away with this sort of tactic in the 21st century.
 
“Debenhams staff not only face the trauma of losing their job, but also face being forced to seek justice through a lengthy tribunal process. This area of law requires review because it is riddled with injustices for both workers and taxpayers as liability to pay the protective awards when companies are in administration falls
on the Government’s insolvency fund. The Government needs to end the perverse financial incentive for employers and administrators not to comply with legal obligations on collective redundancy consultation.
 
“We again urge the administrators to engage with Usdaw, the trade union for Debenhams staff. It’s crucial that the staff and their voice should be heard, that they are treated within the law and with the dignity and respect they deserve. We will continue to provide our members with the support, advice and legal representation they need at this very difficult time.”
 
Notes for editors:
 
Usdaw (Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers) is the UK's fifth biggest trade union with over 400,000 members. Membership has increased by more than one-third over the last couple of decades. 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 further information please contact Usdaw’s Media Officer, David Williams on: 0161 249 2469, 07798 696 603 or by e-mail to [email protected]
 
For Usdaw press releases visit: http://www.usdaw.org.uk/news and you can follow us on Twitter @UsdawUnion

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