Laura Ashley administrators to make 268 of the retailer’s staff redundant
Administrators for Laura Ashley have said they will be making 268 staff redundant across the fashion and homeware retailer’s head office and back office.
The move follows its collapse into administration last week and the permanent closure of 70 of the retailer’s 147 UK stores.
The remaining 1,669 staff members will be furloughed as part of the government’s coronavirus job retention scheme. Remaining employees working within the company’s head office or online business will work from home where possible or according to social distancing guidelines.
The administrators are continuing to trade the business as normal while discussions take place with potential buyers. In addition, they currently expect that all stores will reopen when the government’s coronavirus guidance is lifted as they will either form part of a sale of the business or will be selling through stock on hand.
Rob Lewis, joint administrator and PwC partner, said: “It is obviously disappointing to have to announce redundancies at what is already a challenging time for individuals dealing with Covid-19 disruption. However, we have taken this difficult step to improve the viability of the business whilst we continue to engage with interested parties around a potential sale.”
