EARLESTOWN'S Wilko has been named on a list of stores that will close next week.
After weeks of uncertainty surrounding the discount chain after it was announced it had fallen into administration, it looks like the end of the line for Wilko after numerous takeover bids have failed.
The GMB Union, which represents more than 3,000 Wilko staff, revealed that it is likely that all of Wilko's 400 stores would close following a meeting with the retailer's administrators yesterday (Monday, September 11).
READ > Thousands sign mum's petition after serious XL Bully attacks locally and nationally
With 12,500 jobs put at risk, all stores are expected to close by early October and dates have been set for certain shop closures.
Staff at 124 stores have been informed that their outlet will close before the end of next week, with Earlestown's Market Street Wilko named on the list of stores that are expected to shut by Tuesday, September 19.
The final day for these employees will be Wednesday, September 20, presumably to clear the last of the stock.
No information has yet been given on the potential closure of St Helens' Cotham Street store.
It was revealed last week that B&M had bought 51 stores from Wilko, although this was purely for the site location and not the management of staff. Other discount chains are reported to be looking into purchasing some part of the business.
The administrators’ employee team has said it will provide support and assistance during the redundancy claims process.
The administrators also say that they continue to liaise closely with the government, agencies, unions, and large employers to help create avenues to further employment opportunities for staff, with the aim of helping team members quickly return to employment.
This includes any and all transactions that may lead to stores opening quickly under other brands as a platform for future employment.
Zelf Hussain, joint administrator, says: “Despite the significant and intensive efforts of both ourselves and Putman Investments - the remaining party interested in buying a significant part of the business as a going concern - a transaction could not be progressed due to the inability to reduce central infrastructure costs quickly enough to make a deal commercially viable
“The dedication shown by all team members during this period has been hugely humbling and we are grateful for the patience and understanding they have shown.
"As with those who have already been given notice of redundancy, we will guide and support those team members impacted over the coming weeks through the redundancy claims process. We also continue to collaborate closely with relevant agencies and engage with any potential employers to help facilitate a quick return into new employment for those impacted.
“We continue to work with potential buyers for different parts of the business and are confident of completing transactions in the coming days.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here