Berkshire Wilko stores avoid closure next week as future remains uncertain
Wilko stores across Berkshire have been spared closure next week as 52 stores elsewhere in the UK are set to be permanently closed after the company entered administration last month. The company's administrators confirmed on Monday (September 5) that 24 branches across the UK will close on September 12, and another 28 stores on September 14, resulting in 1,016 job losses.
A list was released on Wednesday (September 6) of the stores that will be closing next week. The list confirmed that no stores in Berkshire will be closing immediately, including the Reading store.
However, although not set to close next week, the future remains uncertain for these stores. It was announced that the discount retailer B&M may buy up to 51 Wilko stores in a £13m deal, however it has not been confirmed which stores they will buy and what will happen to people's jobs.
All 400 Wilko branches across the country will close by the start of October, according to the GMB union. The move would mean all 12,500 staff losing their jobs. It comes after a deal to buy 300 branches of the shop fell through.
The GMB Union said that administrator PwC had said that all Wilko stores will close by early October.
Both of Wilko’s warehouses, called distribution centres (DCs) will close this Friday. A second round of store closures will be announced on Tuesday, it said. These 124 sites will close between September 19 and September 21.
GMB said: “Staff will be asked to work two extra days after the store have closed. Likewise, a small number will be required to stay on at the DCs for up to 14 days to assist with the decommissioning.”
Two Wilko stores in Berkshire are set to close in the next 10 days following the retailer's collapse. In total, 124 Wilkos will close next week with the closing date for others yet to be announced.
Maidenhead Wilko is one of 38 outlined for closure on Tuesday (September 17). Meanwhile, Slough Wilko is one of 48 to close on Thursday (September 21).
Wilko brand bought by The Range in £5m deal
The Range will own the Wilko brand and website and could choose to sell some of its products in its shops.
Read in BBC News: click here
