Arcadia and Debenhams job losses “devastating” – Plaid Cymru

Helen Mary Jones MS calls for Government action to save jobs

Helen Mary Jones MS, Plaid Cymru Shadow Minister for the Economy and Tackling Poverty said:

“The announcement of job losses at Arcadia Group stores and Debenhams will be devastating news for those working in their shops and there will be disappointment amongst their loyal customers. I know Debenhams is seen as an anchor shop for many communities in Wales so the impact will be felt on our high streets across the country. The failure of the owners of the businesses in the Arcadia Group to properly understand retail business and the long term failure to invest has played as much of a part in this crisis as the very difficult trading circumstances.

“As the Welsh Governance Centre has identified non-food retail has been one of the sectors of the economy hardest hit, and often it is women who work in this sector.

Sectors whose activities involve social contact – such as non-critical retail, hospitality, and restaurants – have been completely shut down, and temporary or permanent job losses here have been concentrated among low-paid service workers.

“Welsh Government must provide what support they can for attempts to save some of these businesses and some of these jobs, and ensure that comprehensive re-training and job search support is available for all those effected in Wales whose jobs cannot be saved.