GLENROTHES MSP CALLS ON SAINSBURY’S TO GIVE TOWN’S ARGOS STAFF SOME PEACE OF MIND THROUGH FURLOUGH
Published date : 25 Nov 2020
Mid Fife and Glenrothes MSP, Jenny Gilruth, is calling on Sainsbury’s to rethink their decision not to use the extended Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (furlough) for Argos Glenrothes staff if necessary.
The supermarket is currently consulting with affected staff and say they are doing everything possible to find alternative roles for them within the business. The consultation closes in the New Year, but Ms Gilruth believes Sainsbury’s should use the furlough scheme to avoid any redundancies until at least April 2021.
Sainsbury’s informed the town’s MSP at the start of this month that the Argos Glenrothes store, closed at the start of the coronavirus epidemic, will not reopen. The move is part of Sainsbury’s plans to cut 3,500 jobs and close 420 Argos stores.
In correspondence with the MSP, Sainsbury’s had repeatedly failed to confirm whether they will use the extended Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (furlough) to avoid redundancies until at least April 2021 before eventually conceding that they will not use the scheme.
The supermarket chain have also explained that they will not reopen the Argos Glenrothes store as they believe customers’ shopping habits have changed to online during the coronavirus epidemic and won’t change back.
Jenny Gilruth MSP said:
“I was disappointed to learn from Sainsbury’s that the Argos Glenrothes store, closed at the start of the coronavirus epidemic, will not reopen.
“Whilst I hope that permanent jobs can be found elsewhere in the business for all Argos Glenrothes employees during the consultation process, Sainsbury’s must rethink their decision not to use the extended furlough to avoid redundancies at least until the end of March next year.
“Sainsbury’s could provide some peace of mind to their loyal employees by committing to make use of the furlough scheme.
“Losing your job at any time brings worry and uncertainty, but it is particularly tough during these difficult times and in the run up to Christmas. I know that the Argos Glenrothes store has always been particularly busy during Christmases past, so it is a shame that Sainsbury’s have decided not to give colleagues and customers a chance to return this year.
“For those affected, there are options to help you look after your money and return to work if you’re made redundant through www.mygov.scot/help-redundancy. Affected constituents can also get in touch with me for help and advice by email to Jenny.Gilruth.msp@parliament.scot.”
ENDS
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