Arcadia and Debenhams: Business Support and Job Retention

Marion Fellows Excerpts
Wednesday 2nd December 2020

(3 years, 6 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Paul Scully Portrait Paul Scully
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It is so much about a “grassroots up” approach. It is great to hear about the Hertford hub and the Bishop’s Stortford BID. There are some brilliant examples of BIDs and initiatives; I would like to hear more.

Marion Fellows Portrait Marion Fellows (Motherwell and Wishaw) (SNP) [V]
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Retail trade union, the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers, has said that it is seeking urgent meetings with Arcadia’s administrators in a bid to preserve jobs. It is crucial that the voice of staff is heard over the future of business in all circumstances. What reassurance can the Minister give that this request will be met?

Paul Scully Portrait Paul Scully
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Clearly, the administrators will do their work under their own purview, but I encourage them to ensure that they look at the whole issue to keep as many viable jobs going and as many viable parts of the business going as possible, so as not to hollow out our high streets.