THE THREAT of dozens of Denton workers losing their jobs in the run-up to Christmas has been taken to Parliament by the town’s MP.
Some 55 staff at Poundland, at Crown Point Shopping Park, are nervously awaiting news as the firm has been hit by problems.
Stalybridge and Hyde MP Jonathan Reynolds, the country’s Business Secretary, has met the American owners Gordon Brothers as it stands on the brink of insolvency.
They have said Poundland faces multiple challenges, including “severe levels of shoplifting”.
And Hannah Spencer, Denton’s Green Party MP, challenged the Government, raising concerns about the impact of the store’s uncertain future on local workers, their families and the high street.
She told Ministers how several members of staff had contacted her in recent days, concerned that their livelihoods were at risk as the country approaches Christmas.
And she called on the Government to recognise the wider problems facing the high street, questioning the role of private equity firms in acquiring established retail brands, loading them with debt and subsequently putting jobs and businesses at risk.
She asked Kate Dearden, Minister for the Future of Work, on Monday, November 3: “The Poundland in Denton expanded in 2022 and now employs 55 staff, several of whom have got in touch with me in the last few days and all of whom now find their livelihoods at risk as we begin the run-up to Christmas.
“I give credit to the union USDAW for its work on this issue.
“Does the Minister agree that this scandal exposes a serious problem? Our economy is vulnerable to private equity vultures, who sweep in and prey on our high street brands by loading them with debt and trying to ditch them for a profit.”
In response, Ms Dearden confirmed that she, the Secretary of State and the Prime Minister were keeping a close eye on the situation.
She said: “This is an extremely worrying situation for constituents and for staff across the country, their families and communities.
“We have been demanding to know what is happening and how the company will act in the best interests of its loyal staff and workforce.
“We will continue to establish the facts this week and in the future, and we will make our priority clear, which is to protect jobs.”
A Green Party spokesperson added: “Hannah’s intervention ensures that the concerns of Poundland’s 55 Denton employees are being raised directly with Government at a critical time for the store and its workforce.
“With Christmas approaching, the future of these jobs matters enormously to the workers affected, their families and the wider Denton community.
“Hannah will continue to press for clarity about the store’s future and for the interests of employees to remain at the forefront of the Government’s response.”