Letters due to be sent to Comet staff suggest that job losses could be imminent at the failed electrical retailer. The Daily Telegraph reports that administrator Deloitte will issue the letters warning of the “potential for redundancies” shortly. The letter also states that there is the possibility of the transfer of “some or all of the Comet business.”
Something in the region of 6,600 staff will now be fearing for their jobs in the run-up to Christmas. As Movehut reported last week staff have been turning up at the stores of rival Dixons in their Comet uniforms enquiring about vacancies. Around 300 head office jobs have already been axed since the firm entered administration.
It is believed that a number of unnamed businesses have expressed an interest in acquiring parts of the business, but it now seems unlikely that a buyer will be found prepared to take on all 236 Comet sites. The company is expected to suspend its home delivery service today.
The letter to employees announces the beginning of a consultation process during which staff and unions will be kept abreast of any developments which may affect employment.
It continues; “The company will listen carefully to feedback and suggestions from your representatives before any final decisions are taken.”
Comet chief Carl Cowling sent an email to all staff thanking them for their efforts before he left the business.
It said; “You guys have done so well over the last year in difficult circumstances. We made our business leaner and more cost efficient.
“So many of you have put your hearts and souls into the Comet turnaround and it saddens me that it came to this. Don’t be too downhearted and look forward to the future.”
A Deloitte spokesman said the consultation was a standard procedure and they currently have no plans for mass closures or redundancies.
Previous Post
Airport Limitations Cost UK Billions in Trade
