New Look staff ‘in limbo’ as Primark eyes up prime site
THERE are fears for the future of 25 jobs at fashion retailer New Look’s flagship Belfast store as talks continue over the potential sale of the building to Primark.
Primark has already stated that it has been in discussions about relocating to Fountain House in Donegall Place following the fire that devastated its Bank Buildings store in August.
But neither New Look, which has occupied Fountain House for 11 years, nor Primark would confirm if any move was imminent — leaving around 25 members of staff at the store in limbo.
Ulster Unionist councillor Jim Rodgers criticised New Look for “playing its cards close to its chest”.
He said: “There have been strong rumours that Primark would relocate there but I don’t think it’s good enough that the owners of New Look haven’t notified or consulted with staff.
“Any good employer should always seek to keep their staff informed. It’s only right and proper.”
One long-term employee said that staff at the city centre store found out about the possibility of Primark moving in through Facebook.
They said: “It is horrible because we don’t know where we stand and it’s coming up to Christmas.
“We had customers come in and tell us that we would be out by November. It would be good to know either way.”
The member of staff said the team in the store expected an announcement next week, but New Look said it was “unable to comment at this time”.
Mr Rodgers added: “If the rumours are correct then I would sincerely hope that New Look would look for some other building and seek to keep their staff employed.”
New Look, which has 26 stores here, announced a company voluntary arrangement (CVA) in March which included the closure of 60 out of its 593 outlets.
However none of its Northern Ireland stores were identified for closure.
Its directors are thought to have entered into legally binding agreements with its creditors, including landlords, to avoid going into administration or liquidation.
The retailer said its CVA was approved by the “overwhelming majority” of its landlords and creditors.
A spokesman for Primark last month said: “It has always been Primark’s intention to be back up and trading in Belfast as soon as possible, whilst also doing everything we can to support the wider business community in the city.
“We have been working hard to identify suitable premises and can confirm that we are currently involved in commercial discussions in relation to Fountain House, Donegall Place.”
He added that it would also be assessing the trading possibility from Commonwealth House in Castle Street.
Belfast’s historic Bank Buildings were ravaged in the August 28 fire. Nobody was hurt in the blaze and 1,500 people were safely evacuated from the building.
Attempts to save the facade of are ongoing and a cordon around the area will remain in place for four months.