Wilko: jobs to be lost and stores closed as attempts to find buyer fail

PwC has announced that, although there has been interest in parts of the business, it has become clear that potential buyers have not been focused on the group as a whole.

As a result, Wilko staff have been alerted to the likely redundancies and closures that will follow. 

“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,” PwC said.

“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.

“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. 

PwC said that, in the immediate term, all stores will continue to trade and staff will be paid. It also addressed speculation about the dates of the likely closures, assuring that there are no plans to shut shops next week. 

Wilko announced it was entering administration earlier this month, putting 12,500 jobs and 400 stores at risk. 

The GMB union said Wilko’s collapse was a result of “incompetence” on the part of its bosses, who had “gambled workers’ jobs on a whim”, warning redundancies for staff in stores and at callcentres would begin in the coming weeks. 

GMB national secretary Andy Prendergast 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 we will not forget the dividends paid to the millionaires who gambled your jobs on their whims. “