Poundland Debate
Full Debate: Read Full DebateDepartment: Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade
Sammy Wilson
Main Page: Sammy Wilson (Democratic Unionist Party - East Antrim)Department Debates - View all Sammy Wilson's debates with the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade
(1 day, 22 hours ago)
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Kate Dearden
I thank my hon. Friend for her reflections on what she feels needs to change in the future. At this stage, the key priority is keeping the business trading and protecting jobs, and she will have noted our commitment to engagement. We do not want to impede or influence ongoing negotiations around a private business, as the process is live and constantly moving. I hope my hon. Friend will be reassured about my engagement and that of the Secretary of State with the business and the union representatives this week, and we will continue to watch the situation closely, but protecting jobs is the absolute priority of this Government.
Sammy Wilson (East Antrim) (DUP)
Employees in the Poundland stores in Carrickfergus and Larne in my constituency are now facing a bleak economic future, all because of what appears to be asset stripping of the stores and Poundland by Gordon Brothers. However, there is an alternative. Sales are up, profits are up, and there are viable investors wishing to take over the stores. Specifically, what pressure is the Minister putting on Gordon Brothers to do the right thing? Will she assure us that she will not hide behind the excuse that this is a commercial decision which the Government cannot do anything about?
Kate Dearden
I hope that the right hon. Member is reassured about the work and commitment that we are undertaking as a Department, whether we are engaging with USDAW, with Poundland or with Gordon Brothers. Business owners have a responsibility to their employees—12,000 of them, in this case—and to many thousands of suppliers across the country. That is why it is right that we put pressure on the company. Ownership brings responsibilities as well as rights, and it is therefore legitimate for us to ask it whether it is doing everything that it possibly can to protect its employees and suppliers up and down the country.