Poundland is offering guaranteed job interviews to Poundworld staff after its high street rival fell into administration.
Around 5,100 jobs and 335 store closures are threatened after last week’s announcement that Poundworld had appointed administrators.
Poundland made its offer on LinkedIn, with a dedicated email address for affected Poundworld staff to get in touch.
‘I’ve thought long and hard about how I communicate this because I don’t want to appear insensitive,’ wrote Austin Cooke, retail director at Poundland UK and Ireland. ‘However we’re acutely aware that members of the Poundworld team - in head office and particularly in shops - are facing tough times right now.’
Read more: Poundworld founder Edwards in talks to buy back stores
He added: ‘If we have a local Poundland store, we’d always be interested in meeting you. In fact if you’re affected and we’re also nearby, we guarantee you an interview, please don’t be shy about getting in touch and we’ll get straight back to you. We can’t promise you a role, but we will certainly consider you for one if the opportunity arises.’
The dedicated email address is recruitment@poundland.co.uk
The offer has been welcomed by shop workers’ trade union Usdaw.
Dave Gill, the union’s national officer, said: “We have been in discussions with Poundland about the situation at Poundworld and the concerns that staff have about the future of their jobs. At the moment we are hopeful that the administrators can find a buyer for Poundworld, but if the worst should happen and there are store closures, Usdaw is working to secure alternative employment opportunities with other retailers. Poundland’s offer is very welcome.”
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