GMB has criticized B&M for its acquisition of 51 Wilko stores while leaving the job security of employees uncertain.
PA news agency understands that approximately 1,000 jobs are at risk at shops bought by B&M in a deal earlier this week for £13m.
The deal only includes Wilko’s properties and will not transfer workers currently based at these sites.
Every single Wilko redundancy is a person who will wake up facing an uncertain future.
This needs to be at the top of everyone’s minds.
Years of mismanagement have led us here.
We are doing everything to secure a deal that would protect the majority of Wilko jobs and stores.
— GMB Union (@GMB_union) September 5, 2023
Shops are expected to reopen under the B&M branding, although some could open under the Heron frozen foods brand also owned by B&M European Value Retail.
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The GMB union, which represents more than 3,000 Wilko staff, has called for B&M to explain why it has opted against saving the jobs of workers at those shops.
GMB national officer Andy Prendergast said: “The fact the deal with B&M is for physical stores only is frankly baffling. The company really needs to be explain why they are unwilling to transfer in the able, experienced retail staff they will obviously need.
“It looks like a cynical attempt to ditch liabilities and reinforces the view people are treated as the least important part of in this process. Frankly, the workforce deserve better.”
The locations of 51 shops bought by B&M have not been announced.
Earlier this week administrators also said Wilko will be closing 52 stores, making more than 1,300 staff redundant as talks continue with potential buyers for the remainder of the business.
Administrator PwC said it was “actively working with potential buyers”, however the 52 stores set to close “do not form part of any ongoing interest in the Wilko store portfolio”.
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