Wilko: Ex-worker 'first heard about redundancies on TV news'

A man who worked at collapsed retail chain Wilko for 16 years has claimed he first heard about forthcoming redundancies on TV news.

All 12,500 staff at the firm, which closed its first 24 shops on Tuesday, are likely to lose their jobs.

The man, who did not want to be named, from Worksop, Nottinghamshire, said he was given three working days' notice of his redundancy.

Wilko's administrators said they had done all they could to update workers.

The family-owned business, founded in Leicester in 1930, fell into administration last month after struggling with losses.

Administrators PwC said 299 redundancies would be made at Wilko's two distribution centres in Worksop and Newport, Monmouthshire, with roles being cut on Thursday.

The former Wilko worker, who held a position at a store, said he was made redundant on 4 September after being told the previous Thursday, adding he now felt "lost" and "frustrated".

"I obviously knew it was coming but I just didn't know when," he told BBC Radio Sheffield.

"Every single update that we've had on the whole process has come through news."

He said the situation had become a running joke.

"It's really annoying after I've committed 16 years of my life and I've not heard anything from [them]," he said.

The father of two said before losing his job, the uncertainty at Wilko had forced him to "frantically" apply for new jobs to support his family.

He said he was put in a "horrible position" because he was reluctant to accept any job offers and risk losing a redundancy pay out.

He said some staff had been forced to quit without redundancy pay so they could have a "reliable income for their families".

A spokesperson for administrators PwC said: "We've done everything we can to directly keep team members updated throughout this difficult time.

"We've had to be mindful of the confidential nature of the ongoing discussions with interested parties and given the fluid and fast moving-nature of the situation, we have wanted to ensure that all information provided to employees is both relevant and accurate.

"We know that this is an unsettling and uncertain time for all Wilko team members and greatly appreciate the dedication and patience they've shown since the start of the administration."

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak pledged full support for those impacted by Wilko's collapse and its resulting lay-offs.

Speaking at Prime Minister's Questions (PMQs) - in response to a question from Conservative MP for Bassetlaw Brendan Clarke-Smith - he said he knew it was a "concerning time" for workers at the company.

"The business secretary is keeping close to developments and we have already started supporting those who have been made redundant, and we stand ready to support others to the fullest of our abilities," he said.

Retailer B&M has said it will take on up to 51 of Wilko's 400 shops.

However, the BBC understands the stores will be rebranded as B&M, although it is not clear yet whether any jobs will be saved or if Wilko workers will be given preference if they apply for roles at the B&M shops.

The owner of Poundland has also agreed to take on up to 71 Wilko stores and convert them to the Poundland brand, saying Wilko staff would have priority when applying for new jobs at its shops.

An event offering support and guidance for those facing redundancy is being held in Worksop on Thursday, organised by Bassetlaw District Council, Citizens' Advice Bassetlaw and the Department for Work and Pensions.

Officers from Broxtowe Borough Council have also been at a jobs fair in Beeston on Wednesday.

Labour council leader Milan Radulovic said: "The closure of Wilkinsons is a huge loss to our local high streets and our thoughts are with those employees affected.

"Whilst we are encouraged that Poundland have expressed an interest in the sites, the council will continue to offer its full support to helping local people find alternative work.

"We are also exploring a special event in Kimberley for employees who were based at the store there and the Giltbrook branch who may be affected."

It is thought all Wilko stores across the UK will close by early October.

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