Bleak Christmas on cards for Lanark Homebase workers

High level management figures from the retail giant disclosed dramatic plans to close the store to stunned staff at their Braidfute Retail Park base last Wednesday.

“I think the Homebase employees are being treated very poorly,” said a female friend of one of the affected workers, who asked to remain anonymous.

“It is especially galling that this is happening at a store which is the most profitable it has ever been.

“In the last six months they’ve started selling big ticket items like furniture, bathrooms, kitchens and bedrooms.

“That’s been going well, so why cut all the staff?”

The Gazette contacted Homebase and a spokeswoman confirmed that talks had started with store workers regarding the proposed transfer of the Lanark Homebase store lease to another retailer.

She added: “This proposed transfer is part of our plan to reduce store numbers to help enable us to have a smaller but stronger business, better positioned to support future investment and realise potential for greater growth.

“Subject to consultation, we would be looking to find roles within the local area for those colleagues affected by the changes.

“Any impacted colleagues will be invited for an interview for future employment in the transferred retailer.

“We would also be looking at capacity in any nearby Homebase and Argos stores with a view to redeploying colleagues wherever possible, should the proposed transfer go ahead.”