Debenhams workers facing redundancy could get other Mander Centre jobs
Debenhams workers at risk of losing their jobs when Wolverhampton's flagship store closes are being offered help to find new roles in the city.
Wolverhampton council is in talks with training and careers experts in the city to line up support for staff who face redundancy.
New stores are on their way to the Mander Centre, where Debenhams is based, and new roles may be opening up there.
Isobel Woods, the council's head of enterprise, said: "We have been speaking with training and employment providers to ensure we are in a position to support employees when and where it’s needed, and we do have a track record of supporting people into other jobs and working with business to overcome challenges.
“There will be opportunities for skilled retail workers in the Mander Centre, with a number of successful big names including H&M, New Look, B&M and Matalan having recently opened or shortly opening new stores."
The store, which opened just 18 months ago, has been earmarked for closure early next year as part of restructuring plans by new owners.
Council bosses have since written to Debenhams executive chairman Terry Duddy asking for an urgent meeting.
They want owners to reconsider the closure decision and explain why the Wolverhampton store, which employs around 150 people, will shut.
Ms Woods added: “As a council we have been very much alive to the challenges our city centre and its high street has been facing.
"We have been working with city partners for some time on ambitious plans to rethink and reimagine our city centre, shifting the dependence on retail.
“One billion pounds is being invested, including in some fantastic leisure-led developments such as Westside, the Civic Halls and the redevelopment of Molineux Stadium, along with huge investment in great connectivity, great public spaces, great new homes, a great new events programme, outstanding arts and culture, and a thriving commercial district.”
A total of 22 under-performing Debenhams stores are due to close at the start of next year, with a further 28 set to be announced at a later date.
A petition launched by the city's Liberal Democrat party in response to news of the closure had yesterday been backed by little more than 20 people.
