Index staff could be redeployed
Littlewoods looking at opportunities elsewhere
Littlewoods hopes to redeploy some of the staff losing their jobs as a result of the closure of the Index chain.
At a meeting with retail union Usdaw, Littlewoods made what the union called “a firm commitment” to redeploy Index staff. The company announced at the the start of this week that the 133 store chain would close. Rival catalogue retailer GUS is buy 33 stores, which will converted to Argos outlets, and is taking on about 800 employees.
Usdaw officials met with Littlewoods managers today to discuss the future of the 3200 remaning Index staff. Usdaw national officer John Gorle said after the meeting: “Although there was a robust exchange of views it was a very positive meeting that will help us effectively deal with our members whose jobs are threatened.
“The good news is that the company have given a real commitment to redeploy as many Index staff as possible within the Littlewoods empire from home shopping to their high street stores.”
“The other positive development is that Argos has agreed to give Littlewoods details of their job vacancies across the UK so Index staff at stores where there is no buyer can consider real opportunities in the biggest catalogue shopping chain.”
Usdaw said it has also been approached by “other major retailers” who might employ Index staff, while another national retailer plans a major distribution centre close to jIndex’s own distribution centre at Wednesbury. Gorle said: “We will be working closely with that company to see how many Index employees can be transferred over to that new site.”
Usdaw has also asked to see Index’s accounts. “This was a major decision to shut the doors which has a devastating impact on hundreds of our members. We want our independent auditors to look at the figures and establish there were no other options available to Littlewoods.”
