Assurances needed for McColl’s shop staff, says trade union

A TRADE union is seeking assurances for convenience retailer staff across the area after a supermarket giant bought McColl’s out of administration.

Usdaw has welcomed the intervention of Morrisons, which will potentially save 1,100 stores and 16,000 jobs, and is now seeking assurances for the future for staff along with trade union recognition.

McColl’s has stores in Chatsworth Avenue in Portsmouth, Forton Road and Carisbrook Road in Gosport, West Street and Broadlaw Walk in Fareham, and Hambledon Road in Waterlooville.

Joanne McGuinness, Usdaw national officer, said: ‘It is great news that Morrisons has been successful in their bid to buy McColl’s out of administration and it will be a huge relief for the staff. We are now seeking urgent discussions with Morrisons to help secure the future for the staff. McColl’s was a nonunionised business, which meant their staff had no real voice in the future of the business. Usdaw has a longstanding and productive relationship with Morrisons and we will be looking to extend trade union representation to all staff in McColl’s.’