Stephen Morgan MP calls for Portsmouth Poundland workers to get in touch amid job insecurity
Retailer entered administration putting thousands of jobs at risk
A Portsmouth MP has called the situation at Poundland ‘very concerning’ as he asked for the retailer’s workers in his constituency to get in touch.
Stephen Morgan confirmed that the government is meeting with Poundland’s leaders to seek “urgent clarity” for workers after the company filed a notice to appoint administrators last week. The move put the future of its roughly 11,000 workers at risk.
Stephen Morgan MP said: “I know that this will be a very concerning time in Portsmouth for those working for Poundland and their families, along with their shoppers.
“The Government is meeting with Poundland’s leadership to seek the urgent clarity and certainty that their workers deserve. I encourage any constituent who works at the retailer to get in touch.”
Gordon Brothers, which only bought Poundland last year for £1 and launched a sale process for the retailer at the start of September, is under pressure to accept a bid to save the retailer, which is on the brink of collapse despite interest from several major supermarket chains.
Downing Street have said the company must answer why it has rejected offers to save the business.
The Prime Minister’s official spokesman told reporters on Tuesday: “We continue to stay close to what’s an extremely worrying situation for Poundland staff, their families and communities. The Business Secretary will meet the Gordon Brothers later this week in order to continue establishing the facts and seek an outcome that protects jobs and keeps Poundland trading.
“BIST (Business, Innovation, Science and Trade) minister Kate Dearden will also meet Poundland’s chief executive and chief finance officer this week. And, more broadly, both the PM and the Business Secretary have been clear they want to know what’s happening.
“Gordon Brothers need to explain why they haven’t accepted any offer to keep the company going. That’s the case. It appears they’re not acting in the best interests of their loyal UK staff and stores.”
The notice of intention to appoint administrators filed on Thursday gave the business 10 working days of breathing space from creditors to secure a potential rescue deal.
Advisers are still in talks with parties interested in buying the brand and swathes of stores, around two months after a sale process was launched.