Majority of Wilko stores to close ‘within weeks’

The majority of remaining Wilko stores are set to shutter “within weeks” and redundancies are expected to begin after the embattled retailer failed to secure a buyer, the GMB Union has warned. The union said it was recently informed by administrators that there was “no longer any prospect that the majority of the business will be saved”. It added that redundancies for staff in store and at call centres will therefore begin in the coming week. According to GMB, some stores may be bought, either individually or as part of larger packages, but “significant job losses are now expected”. Meanwhile, joint administrators Jane Steer, Zelf Hussain and Edward Williams of PwC said that in the immediate term, all stores will remain open, continue to trade and staff continue to be paid, and that “contrary to speculation, there are currently no plans to close any stores next week”. They said: “Since our appointment as administrators of wilko we have held extensive discussions with parties who expressed an interest in buying all or part of the business. “While discussions continue with those interested in buying parts of the business, it’s clear that the nature of this interest is not focused on the whole group. 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.” They added: “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.” Andy Prendergast, GMB National Secretary, said: “GMB Union will continue to support members through this process and will fight to ensure members are consulted as per the law and that you receive every penny you are entitled to. “We will fight to ensure Wilko bosses are held accountable for the simple reason our members deserve so much better. GMB will not forget the incompetence that has led to this collapse and will we not forget the dividends paid to the millionaires who gambled your jobs on their whims.” Wilko has been contacted for further comment.