GMB union has called for decisive action, after John Lewis announced the closure of 8 stores and the loss of around 1500 jobs today
The union has called on the government to make saving the high street ‘an immediate priority’.
Roger Jenkins, GMB National Officer, said:
“For generations, the likes of John Lewis has been the cornerstones of the high street and these closures could see the end to 1,500 good quality jobs across the UK.
“Without these anchor stores there’s a serious risk that more people will choose online rather than in town to do their shopping, with hundreds of workers in small retailers feeling the pinch.
“Unless the Government takes decisive action, today’s development could mark the beginning for the end of the high street in many UK towns.
“From now on, saving the high street has to be their immediate priority, so that thousands of workers know their jobs are safe.”
