GMB confident that job losses at Wilko can be minimised
The GMB trade union has said it is confident that talks can reduce the number of potential job losses at Wilko stores.
After a meeting with the company’s management, the GMB said in a statement: “There are going to be redundancies, but we are very confident these can be reduced significantly from the thousands initially feared.”
With 400 stores across the UK, Wilko had previously announced a shake-up which could lead to the loss of some supervisory roles including assistant managers.
GMB met with Wilko bosses at the company’s headquarters in Worksop on Monday.
Gary Carter, GMB national officer, said: “This was the first of many discussions we will have with the company during the 60 day consultation. We will be having further, difficult conversations during the process.
“We all want to see Wilko as thriving, sustainable business with a long term future. It is vital GMB helps the company keep any job losses to an absolute minimum.
“It is important to ensure adequate staffing levels in their stores to maintain an acceptable level of customer service – and to make sure Wilko staff are paid the living wage.
“We are encouraging Wilko to look at alternative ways to save money, which protect existing job roles.
“It’s a hazy picture at the moment, but we will be looking at each store individually with Wilko.”
