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All Wilko stores to close with the loss of 12,500 jobs – union

Monday, 11 September 2023 13:04

A union says Wilko, which has a store in Lancaster, will disappear from the High Street early next month, after a rescue deal collapsed.

The GMB said it was informed by administrator PwC of the development on Monday morning. It comes after a deal involving the owner of HMV fell through.

All 400 branches of collapsed retailer Wilko will close by early October with the "likely" loss of all 12,500 jobs at the chain, according to the GMB.

PwC, who haven't commented, previously announced around 1,600 redundancies and confirmed that 52 stores would shut this week after it failed to find a buyer for the outlets.

The Lancaster branch on Penny Street is not on the list, but it’s understood a further wave of store closures will be announced tomorrow (September 12).

Wilko - owned by the founding Wilkinson family for decades - collapsed into administration last month.

In a statement, the GMB said: ‘’We are incredibly sorry to have to share the devastating news that PWC have confirmed the previous offer being explored for the sale of hundreds of stores as a going concern has fallen through.

‘’There is now no prospect of saving the remaining store estate in its entirety and all Wilko stores will close by early October.

‘’Although separate bids may be made for leases of groups of sites, these deals will not secure jobs, although the option to take up new employment with the bidders for these sites is something we are now pushing for.

‘’This is not the news our members or the GMB had been hoping for or working towards.

‘’We share the sorrow and anger of every Wilko team member today.

You deserved so much more than this and we will continue to work so you are treated with the respect you deserve during the remaining days and wind down and we will not stop working to ensure those responsible for this debacle are held to account in the future.

Wilko was far more than a brand, a retailer or the products, it was the thousands of loyal team members now facing an uncertain future. It may have ceased genuinely being a family brand many years ago, but you, the staff kept the real family ethos of Wilko alive until the very end. We know it is the family you have made for yourselves that will be so sorely missed.

The second round of store closures will take place between the 19 – 21st September and will involve 124 stores.

GMB continue to do everything we can to save as many jobs as possible. We have always been open about looking at all the bids for the business and have always put our members’ interests first.’’

B&M European Value Retail has already agreed to buy 51 Wilko stores which are set to be rebranded.

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