The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Every effort must be made to save jobs at Debenhams
KERRY Fianna Fáil TD Norma Foley says every effort should be made to save jobs at retail chain Debenhams.
The Irish arm of the UK department store chain became the highest profile business casualty of the COVID-19 crisis to date when it announced a fortnight ago that it is to close all 11 of it’s outlets in the Republic.
Those outlets include a substantial store at Manor West in Tralee where around 100 jobs will be lost as a result of the closure.
Joint Provisional Liquidators were appointed in the High Court last Thursday to Debenhams Retail Ireland Ltd.
Deputy Foley – who along with Fianna Fáil Finance spokesman Deputy Michael McGrth has been in contact with joint liquidator Kieran Wallace of KPMG – says every possible effort should be made to save the chain or some of its individual outlets.
She pointed to the fact that Debenham’s Irish website continues to trade and that the most of the chain’s shops in the UK – which are also in liquidation – are still expected to reopen once the Coronavirus restrictions have been lifted.
It was emphasised to Mr Wallace by the Fianna Fáil deputies that the key objective should be to avoid full closure if at all possible.
“The closure of Debenhams in Tralee is a huge blow to workers who are rightly angered at how it has been handled after years of loyal and dedicated service to the company”, said Deputy Foley.
“Mr Wallace confirmed Irish employees will be communicated with and I would hope this communication includes provision for a 30 day consultation process that must be held, and information about the payment of entitlements that are due to workers,” she said.
Deputy Foley said she has written directly to Minister Heather Humphreys and Minister Regina Doherty regarding the options and supports are available to Debenhams workers going forward.
“We should not give up the fight to keep Debenhams in Tralee” said Deputy Norma Foley “and equally so support in every way possible Debenhams ‘ workers at this very challenging time”