‘Major blow’

Unite is calling for urgent support for the 5,000 workers at Poundworld who face losing their jobs after the company was forced into administration on Monday  (June 11).

Unite, which principally represents warehouse and logistics staff in the company’s West Yorkshire heartland, is particularly concerned that job losses will have a severe effect on the local economy which is in one of the most economically deprived areas of the UK.

Unite is seeking an urgent meeting with the company’s administrators Deloitte to seek assurances that they are focused on finding a buyer for the business and preserving jobs.

Unite is in the process of ensuring that if members are made redundant they can file a claim for compensation through a ‘protective award’ due to the company’s failure to inform and consult on potential job losses.

“Poundworld’s collapse into administration is a major blow to a local economy which is already under severe pressure,” said Unite regional officer Sharon Ramsden.

“It is essential that every effort and assistance is made to find a buyer and to save as many jobs as possible.

“If workers are made redundant then Unite will be doing everything possible to ensure that its members secure the compensation they are entitled to and are provided with every assistance in securing new employment.”