Supermarket staff lose jobs
Scores of supermarket workers in Sandwell lost their jobs today after Kwik Save closed four of the borough's stores.
The chain has closed its West Bromwich, Great Bridge, Princes End and Blackheath stores. All workers at the branches were made redundant and it is believed the stores will not open for business tomorrow.
Lucy McCulloch, spokesman for Kwik Save issued a statement on behalf of the company, this afternoon.
It said the move was part of wider plans to close 79 stores across the group from today.
The statement read: "Unfortunately, the stores in Blackheath, West Bromwich, Great Bridge and Princes End are affected by these closures.
"It is with regret that Kwik Save has had to make this difficult decision. However, in order to enable the business to succeed, the Kwik Save management team has had to announce these cut backs to secure the future of the business.
"Kwik Save would like to thank all of its staff affected by this regrettable situation, for their commitment to the company over the years."
The West Bromwich store has been a key feature in the Queens Square shopping centre for many years, attracting thousands of shoppers a week.
The Great Bridge store on the main road through the town was, until the Asda superstore was built in the 1990s, the town's main supermarket.
The store in Blackheath is also popular with shoppers, and occupies a key position in the heart of the town centre.
