Shop workers' union hits out at BHS fiasco

A total of 11,000 loyal hardworking BHS staff have been devastated following the collapse of the business earlier this year. Administrators announce this week the business will close completely on August 20.

Dave Gill, Usdaw National Officer says: “The announcement is the final hammer blow to BHS staff, who have been worried about their future for over a year since the company was sold for £1 and more recently put in the hands of the administrators.

“Following the news that all remaining BHS stores will be closed by 20 August, Usdaw calls on the administrators to redouble their efforts in finding a buyer for the remaining stores and to secure as many jobs as possible.

“We also call on Sir Philip Green to honour the two promises he made to BHS staff as soon as possible after the company went into administration. Firstly, to offer employment within the Arcadia Group to the blameless, dedicated and loyal staff who suddenly find themselves unemployed. Secondly, to ‘sort’ the pension scheme and we await details of what he proposes.

“The 11,000 hard working and loyal staff will be feeling very angry and totally let down following the publication of the Parliamentary Select Committee Report into the running of BHS.

“It is clear that the rapid demise of the company is down to a handful of people who have been more interested in indulging in a game of corporate monopoly for their own personal gain. There are still some very serious questions that need to be answered, by former owners of the business, about how a company with decades of history and experience in retail has now come to this very sorry end.

“We also urge other high street retailers to look seriously at quickly re-employing the dedicated and experienced BHS workers who will all soon be unemployed.

“In the meantime we are providing the support, advice and representation our members require at this difficult time.”