A Parliamentary candidate has called on bosses to do ‘all they can’ to protect jobs at two Wilkinsons stores in Arnold and Carlton under threat of closure.
Michael Payne, Labour’s Parliamentary candidate for Gedling has sent an open letter to Mark Jackson, chief executive of Wilkinsons, following yesterday’s (3) announcement the store chain could appoint administrators.
In his letter, Mr Payne wrote: “Any closure of our two local Wilko stores in Arnold and Carlton would be a bitter blow for the hard-working, loyal members of Wilko staff and for our local economy.
“Wilko has served as an anchor store in Arnold and Carlton for decades – closure of either or both stores would be a significant loss to our town centres and the communities they serve.
“I am seeking positive assurances from yourself that all staff working at our Arnold and Carlton stores and in any roles linked to those stores will be given the utmost support from Wilko at this incredibly difficult and challenging time. All efforts should be made to protect their jobs.”
He added: “My thoughts are with each and every worker who is concerned about potential job losses. I sincerely hope your efforts to secure a solution to avert job losses and closures is successful.
“I would appreciate being kept updated as the situation progresses and am committed to helping in any way I can.”
Some 12,000 jobs across 400 stores could be in the firing line after the high street chain warned it faced insolvency proceedings.
The privately-owned firm, which sells everything from stationery to hardware items, has filed notice of its intention to appoint administrators at the High Court after spending weeks hunting for a rescue deal.
