Retailer announces store closures in another blow for the High Street
The closure of up to 15 stores across the UK by retailer Wilko has been described by the GMB Union as “another nail in the High Street’s coffin”.
More than 300 jobs will potentially be lost as the shops shut over the next 12 months.
The affected stores include one at The Fort Shopping Park, Birmingham, which is set to close on February 26 with 31 jobs going; Redditch on May 21 (30 jobs) and The Lower Parade, Sutton Coldfield on June 25 (22 jobs).
Each store will have a 30-day consultation period while permanent recruitment in the vicinity of each site will freeze.
Roger Jenkins, GMB national officer, said: “These closures are devastating for Wilko workers and the communities who use them.
“It’s yet another nail in the High Street’s coffin and GMB calls on councils and landlords to review commercial leases and offer lower rents.
“Empty high streets and shopping centres are in no one’s interest and but with 400 shops a week closing, this is inevitable – unless the costs of premises can be reduced.
“GMB will now meet with Wilko members to discuss our next steps.”
