Magherafelt UUP representative expresses concern for future of Poundland store in Magherafelt
The Ulster Unionist Party Representative for Magherafelt DEA, Marion Haydock, has expressed concern for the future of the Poundland store in Meadowlane Shopping Centre, Magherafelt and the jobs of its 20 staff.
The future of the entire chain of 600 Poundland stores and 12000 staff in the UK remains highly uncertain because of the financial crisis surrounding Poundland’s parent company, Gordon Brothers, who unexpectedly put the chain of stores up for auction.
Poundland has 20 stores in Northern Ireland and so far, the Magherafelt store has managed to survive previous rounds of closures.
Currently Poundland’s management team is pressing for a buyout backed by Northern Ireland based real estate firm, Martin Property Group, who have expressed a commitment to retain Poundland’s existing store network and workforce.
It is reported that rival discount brands including B&M, Lidl, The Range and Poundstretcher have entered the bidding race, but these brands are primarily interested in buying up specific, profitable store locations rather than saving the whole company.
Mrs Haydock said: “For now the Poundland store in Magherafelt is operating as normal yet behind the headlines are 20 employees in our local store who are worried about their jobs and providing for their families. It is my hope that a favourable buyer will soon be found and that these jobs will be saved.”
Shop workers union Usdaw national officer Bally Auluk said: “Gordon Brothers’ need to be open about their intentions and demonstrate their commitment to the business, which our members are successfully helping to turn around. The very least they should do is now engage with Usdaw to ensure that our members have a say.”