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Usdaw seeks urgent talks with Gordon Brothers over the future of Poundland after disturbing reports in the media

Retail trade union Usdaw is seeking urgent talks with the owners of discount retailer Poundland, after leaks reported in the Financial Times suggest that Gordon Brothers are “demanding potential buyers stump up £30mn” and the “price tag would deter some interested parties and could increase the probability of Poundland falling into administration”.

25 September 2026

0 min read

Bally Auluk – Usdaw national officer says: “This makes disturbing reading for our members working at Poundland, who are already very worried about the future of the company after Gordon Brothers started an accelerated sale process a few weeks ago.

“It is difficult to understand why Poundland is described as struggling and under threat of falling into administration, after the company’s managing director told staff today that they returned to like-for-like sales growth, which marks another important milestone for recovery. He also thanked staff for their ‘amazing efforts’.

“Clearly our members need clarity and reassurances during this very difficult time and I am seeking urgent meetings with Gordon Brothers’ senior management to gauge their commitment to the business, which our members are successfully helping to turn around.”

Notes for editors:

Usdaw (Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers) is one of the fastest growing unions in the TUC and the UK's fifth biggest with around 370,000 members. Most Usdaw members work in the retail sector, but the union also represents many workers in transport, distribution, food manufacturing, chemical industry and other trades www.usdaw.org.uk

For Usdaw press releases visit: www.usdaw.org.uk/news and you can follow us on Bluesky @usdawunion.bsky.social and Twitter/X @UsdawUnion

Summary

Retail trade union Usdaw is seeking urgent talks with the owners of discount retailer Poundland, after leaks reported in the Financial Times suggest that Gordon Brothers are “demanding potential buyers stump up £30mn” and the “price tag would deter some interested parties and could increase the probability of Poundland falling into administration”.