People locally will be aware that Wilko has been experiencing difficulties for quite some time and therefore entering administration, which they announced their intention to do a couple of weeks ago, will have come as no surprise. Having visited and spoken with management myself, I am also under no illusions.
The changing nature of the retail industry and competition from other discounters has no doubt exacerbated the difficulties faced by Wilko and, having not performed to its full potential, this is why the company has been taking steps to secure additional finance, including the sale and leaseback of their HQ in Bassetlaw.
It is important to re-emphasise what Wilko has already said in their statement, that administration will allow them a period in which they can continue to seek that investment or find a new buyer. It is therefore not helpful to see some people describing this as a ‘collapse’ or suggesting jobs have been lost when it is not at this stage.
As I write, the deadline for bids for Wilko approaches, and I am sure you will join me in hoping an offer will be made that satisfies the needs of the staff and local communities.
𝐈𝐭 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐦𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐜𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐧𝐨𝐰, 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐢𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐣𝐨𝐛 𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐟𝐟 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐝.
My main concern is that jobs can be protected, not just nationally, but also locally at the HQ and those of team members at stores, including the ones in Worksop and Retford.
I have requested another meeting with Wilko and those concerned and have also offered to work together with Bassetlaw District Council, as issues such as this should be above party politics.
I have visited local Wilko stores and have spoken to staff and customers. We all hope a buyer can be found for this business and that whilst this process is happening that we make sure people are fully aware of facts.
I would also like to reassure any constituents affected that my office is there to assist anybody who has concerns over the current situation. We will also be holding my jobs fair shortly to help those who may need to look elsewhere.
