Clarks accused of firing and rehiring

Unions claim new HK bosses want pay cuts – and no coffee breaks:

HISTORIC West shoe firm Clarks has been accused of attempting to “fire and rehire” workers by planning to alter the terms and conditions for more than 100 employees at its distribution centres.

The Community union said negotiations on new terms had broken down, claiming the company is pushing for its employees to accept a reduction in the hourly wage, sick pay and annual holidays, plus the removal of 10-minute coffee breaks and complimentary hot drinks.

Clarks, which was founded in Somerset in 1825 and was renowned for being a benign employer operated on Quaker principles, was taken over by a Hong Kong-based private equity firm in February.

Lion Rock Capital, which is also an investor in Italian football club Inter Milan, took a controlling interest in the Street-based firm.

It meant the Clark family, which had run the firm for nearly 200 years, no longer held control.

Community’s assistant general secretary John Paul McHugh said: “We are incredibly disappointed by the actions of Clarks, and for both their workers and their customers we strongly urge them to come back around the table and reach a solution.

“Clarks is a staple brand on the British high street, with a history dating back over a century. The workers most adversely impacted by these changes are those who have been employees for decades, sticking with the company through thick and thin, stepping up in the last year during the challenging pandemic period.

“Fire and rehire is no way to thank your employees or your customers.”

A company spokesman said: “Clarks is currently consulting with unions and employees at our Westway Distribution Centre in Street, Somerset, on proposed changes to employment terms and conditions for all operatives.

“As we are in a period of consultation, we are unable to comment any further at this time.”