23 August 2023 , 19:49
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Hops of saving all 12,500 jobs at collapsed discount chain Wilko are fading fast.
Administrators PwC said talks with potential buyers for parts of the group, with its 400 stores, were continuing. But PwC confirmed “it’s clear that the nature of this interest is not focused on the whole group.” Joint administrators Jane Steer, Zelf Hussain and Edward Williams went on: “Sadly, it is therefore likely that there will be redundancies and store closures in the future and it has today been necessary to update employee representatives.
"We know this will further add to the uncertainty felt by workers. We will be supporting staff through this deeply unsettling time, working closely with the government, JobCentre plus, unions and large employers to maximise possibilities for a rapid return to work for employees in the event of redundancies.”
Administrators were called in earlier this year (Liverpool Echo)PwC insisted all stores would remain open for now, with staff being paid. It denied a report from the GMB that stores would close over the next week. Shadow business secretary Jonathan Reynolds said: “Sadly, shuttered-up shops and struggling high streets have become the norm after 13 years of Conservative economic failure.
“Labour has a plan for our high streets. We will tackle the things holding firms back by reforming business rates, cracking down on anti-social behaviour and putting an end to empty premises to bring shoppers back to their high street.”
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