Wilko collapse ‘like a pit closure’ for Bassetlaw as 2,000 people lose their jobs

The demise of Wilko could have an impact “similar to a pit closure” on the Bassetlaw community, the district council has warned.

The retailer’s collapse means an estimated 2,000 people will lose their jobs across Worksop and the surrounding area, where the high street giant’s distribution centre and support offices are based,

Five of the 15 Nottinghamshire stores operated by Wilko have already been confirmed for closure, and further announcements expected in the coming days about hundreds more nationwide.

Administrators were called in to the business last month after months of uncertainty fuelled by the pandemic.

It was confirmed on Monday, September 12 that attempts to save Wilko had collapsed after a final rescue plan fell through.

‘Redundancy help on offer’

It means about 12,500 jobs across 400 stores, a support centre and headquarters in Worksop and two distribution centres in Worksop and Newport, South Wales, will all be cut nationally.

Bassetlaw District Council says this includes roughly 2,000 jobs alone in its district, with administrator PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) revealing hundreds of initial job cuts at the Worksop HQ on Monday.

All roles at the 15 high street stores across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire are going and stores will close by early October.

Five local stores have since been confirmed for closure next week. These are Beeston, Carlton, Clifton, Kimberley and Sherwood.

Clifton, Kimberley and Sherwood’s stores will close on Tuesday, September 19, with Beeston and Carlton closing two days later, PwC has said.

Bassetlaw District Council is running a redundancy support event to help affected staff.

The Labour-led council, Citizens Advice Bassetlaw and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will host the event on Thursday, September 14.

It will take place as a drop-in event from 11am until 4pm at The Bridge Skills Hub in Bridge Court, Worksop, offering job opportunities with local employers and support from education and training providers.

There will also be information on retraining, debt and money advice, housing, health and wellbeing.

‘Devastating news’

Cllr Jo White (Lab) is cabinet member for business and skills and is the council’s deputy leader.

She said: “This is devastating news for Wilko staff both in Bassetlaw and across the country.

“It’s another hammer blow to the great British high street as we lose yet another much-loved retailer.

“Many staff at Wilko have worked there for a very long time and this may be their first experience looking for another job.

“With its HQ, a distribution centre and two shops in Bassetlaw, we will be losing around 2,000 jobs.

“There are also associated supply chain jobs at risk. This is a similar level to a pit closure or a garment factory going under.

“As a council, we are pulling out all the stops to support our residents affected by the collapse of Wilko.

“This is the start of the process, and we will be on hand as the situation continues to progress.”

No further details on the closure plans have yet been confirmed for the remaining 10 Nottinghamshire Wilko stores.

These include Arnold, Bulwell, Giltbrook, Hucknall, Mansfield, Newark, Nottingham, Retford, Sutton-in-Ashfield and Worksop.

‘Rescue bid collapsed’

However, these details are expected to be confirmed by administrators in the coming days and weeks, with all stores remaining open until confirmed by PwC.

The distribution centre where about 1,800 Worksop staff work will, however, close its doors on Friday, September 15.

It followed the collapse of a bid by HMV owner and Canada-based entrepreneur Doug Putman to save at least part of the retailer.

Zelf Hussain, joint administrator at PwC, said on Monday: “The dedication shown by all team members during this period has been hugely humbling and we are grateful for the patience and understanding they have shown.

“As with those who have already been given notice of redundancy, we will guide and support those team members impacted over the coming weeks through the redundancy claims process.

“We also continue to collaborate closely with relevant agencies and engage with any potential employers to help facilitate a quick return into new employment for those impacted.

“We continue to work with potential buyers for different parts of the business and are confident of completing transactions in the coming days.”