Bosses sorry as jobs axed
Kwik Save bosses today apologised to hundreds of staff for the closure of one-third of its stores, which it said was vital to secure the struggling business. Kwik Save bosses today apologised to hundreds of staff for the closure of one-third of its stores, which it said was vital to secure the struggling business. Hundreds of jobs have been lost in the closures affecting 79 supermarkets nationwide, including nine in the Black Country and South Staffordshire. In a statement the firm said: "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 cutbacks. "Kwik Save would like to thank all of its staff affected by this regrettable situation for their commitment to the company over the years." Branches falling to the axe are in Cannock, Lichfield, West Bromwich, Smethwick, Blackheath, Penn in Wolverhampton, Princes End and Great Bridge in Tipton, and Peartree Lane, in Dudley. Read the full story in the Express & Star.
Hundreds of jobs have been lost in the closures affecting 79 supermarkets nationwide, including nine in the Black Country and South Staffordshire.
In a statement the firm said: "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 cutbacks.
"Kwik Save would like to thank all of its staff affected by this regrettable situation for their commitment to the company over the years."
Branches falling to the axe are in Cannock, Lichfield, West Bromwich, Smethwick, Blackheath, Penn in Wolverhampton, Princes End and Great Bridge in Tipton, and Peartree Lane, in Dudley.
Many staff were given no warning and were told when they arrived for work yesterday that their shops would close today.
A spokesman for the shopworkers' union Usdaw said: "This is a huge number of closures which will affect many workers.
"We will be seeking an urgent meeting with the company to clarify what redundancy package workers can expect, as well as discussing the long term future of the business."
The Kwik Save store in Wellington, Shropshire, closed today with the loss of up to 12 jobs. Customers turning up to the supermarket found a note announcing its closure.
There had been speculation in recent days that the firm was facing a new cash crisis after receiving a £50 million rescue package in February.
Late last week Arla Foods stopped delivering milk to the grocery chain, citing "payment problems", and unconfirmed reports suggested Kwik Save's bread supplies had also been stopped at a number of stores in the past few days.
A total of 147 stores will remain open after the closures, including stores in Marsh Lane Parade, Oxley, and Bushbury Lane, Bushbury.
