Marks & Spencer job losses a shock to workers
Wednesday 7 August 2013Mandate Trade Union, which represents thousands of workers at the 21 Marks & Spencer’s stores across Ireland, say today’s announcement that the company is closing four stores is a devastating shock for the workers and their families.
Marks & Spencer informed the union of the closure of their Tallaght, Naas, Dun Laoghaire and Mullingar stores at a meeting this morning, which will result in the loss of approximately 180 jobs.
Senior management have also indicated their intention to reduce a number of middle management roles effective in the majority of stores.
Management have also given an indication that they are seeking a reduction in certain terms and conditions enjoyed by all staff, such as Christmas bonuses and certain premium payments.
Mandate say the union is now preparing to meet with the company to discuss the consequences arising from these planned changes to the company’s Irish operations.
Mandate Assistant General Secretary, Gerry Light, said, “Our first priority is to ensure that our members who are directly affected are afforded the widest range of options available in an effort to reduce the impact of this devastating news.”
Mr Light also said that while these job losses were a shock to all concerned, it is no surprise that the retail sector continues to hemorrhage jobs due to weak domestic demand.
“Since the economic crisis began we’ve lost approximately 55,000 retail jobs and today’s announcement is further proof, if needed, that austerity is causing huge damage to our domestic economy.
“Mandate has continuously highlighted the damage austerity is doing to individuals, families and local communities across Ireland. We wrote to all TD’s earlier this year warning that the imposition of the property tax would result in reduced spending and job losses for the retail sector and unfortunately our predictions are coming true.
“The important thing now is that the government takes heed of this warning especially prior to the formation of Budget 2013 and accepts the reality that more austerity will mean more bad news similar to the type announced today,” he concluded.
