Debenhams back in administration

Chancellor and Secretary of State for business to request they do all possible to support workers, the retail sector and our town centre.

“I have also written to Debenhams CEO to press them on the importance of the East Kilbride store’s long-term sustainability and will do everything possible to protect our town.”

The East Kilbride store was given a reprieve in September when bosses announced the first 22 of 50 stores to close.

That came after the company was plunged into administration in April 2019 – almost a year to the day it filed for administration this week.

A spokesman for EK, East Kilbride, called the news “clearly concerning,”but said they were in active discussions to“try and help the business long term”.

He added:“The retail industry has been facing challenging market conditions over the past few years and the current coronavirus situation has increased the pressure on this and other industries still further.”

Debenhams boss Stefaan Vansteenkiste said the circumstances of the decision were “unprecedented”.

Mr Vansteenkiste added: “We have taken this step to protect our business, our employees, and other important stakeholders.

“This move will allow us to resume trading from our stores when government restrictions are lifted.”

MSP Linda Fabiani said the news would cause “worry for staff,”but said she was“hopeful the steps taken will protect jobs in the long run”.

Her Tory counterpart, Graham Simpson MSP, called the news“deeply concerning,”whilst Labour MSP Monica Lennon said the loss of Debenhams to the town centre“would be a massive blow”.