Future unclear for 60 staff as BHS collapses

Friday 03 June 2016

Up to 60 staff in Jersey are expected to be affected by the collapse of BHS after the announcement that administrators have failed to find a buyer for the UK high street institution.

Assistant Social Security Minister Graham Truscott says that the Back to Work teams are already working with the management and HR teams at BHS to support the staff, and to help them find new jobs.

Economic Development say that there are around 30 retail jobs and 150 hospitality roles currently vacant in the Island as well as opportunities for retraining.

It was announced yesterday that BHS will be wound down with 11,000 jobs disappearing across 163 stores in the UK.

The news comes at the same time that Austin Reed – the clothing store employing around six people in Jersey – has also collapsed.

Deputy Truscott said: “We have already made contact with management and HR at BHS. We will be looking at the whole situation to see how we can help with Income Support for those with five years’ residency, and our Back to Work teams will do absolutely everything to help them find new roles.

“Over the next two weeks we’re expecting a sale to get rid of the inventory, but there may be a last-minute buyer.

“I’m totally confident that the shop, which is in a prime spot, will be taken up very quickly.”

Chamber of Commerce President Kristina Le Feuvre said that the story was a sad indicator of the way that retail is changing.

She said: “The Chamber of Commerce is always saddened to hear of any business that it is left with no alternative choice, other than to wind down its operations.

“I’m sure Jersey’s government is doing all it can to support staff who are facing redundancy and assisting them with alternative employment. Retail is having to re-invent and unfortunately only high street businesses that are moving quickly with systems, technology and online options will survive.”