6 EMPLOYMENT 20 jobs will go when axe falls on toy store
DejectionforEKstaff
Twenty jobs will go when an East Kilbride toy store closes its doors for the final time next month.
The shutters will be pulled down at the Toys R Us branch in Mavor Avenue on Sunday, March 11.
Company bosses previously announced plans to close 26 of its larger warehouse-style stores.
It was announced in December that the East Kilbride outlet would be one of four Scottish stores to be axed.
The shop remained open throughout the busy Christmas and New Year period.
But now around 20 contracted staff will be made redundant along with a small number of people who were on zero hour contracts, according to the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP).
Following the announcement, East Kilbride-based Tory Central Scotland MSP Graham Simpson has called for steps to be taken to fill the soon-to-be empty store.
“This is terrible news for the staff affected,” Mr Simpson told the News.
“What matters now is that the vacant unit is filled. East Kilbride is still an attractive town for retailers and it is a good site.”
Labour Central Scotland MSP Monica Lennon added: “I sought reassurances that they would make appropriate arrangements to seek redeployment for staff who wished to retain their jobs, and it is extremely unfortunate that this has not been secured for all.”
East Kilbride SNP MSP Linda Fabiani also said: “I hope all workers who are affected can find suitable employment elsewhere.”
A spokesman for Toys R Us confirmed that prices would be slashed before the store’s closure but did not comment on the number of people made redundant.
He said: “Our store in East Kilbride will close on March 11. As we are in our final few weeks, there is up to 50 per cent off everything.”