DIY store jobs at risk

EMPLOYEES at a Rotherham DIY store have been left fearing for their jobs after hearing that their branch is being considered for closure.

Members of staff at the Parkgate Shopping branch of Homebase were called to a meeting shortly after the Advertiser went to press last week and told that the store could face the axe.

This week an official statement from the gardening and DIY retailer confirmed that the proposal would affect the jobs of all 36 employees.

A spokesman for Homebase said: “Homebase can confirm that after careful deliberation the Rotherham store is being considered for closure.

“This has resulted in a proposal that may affect the 36 employed colleagues at the store.

“All the colleagues employed at Rotherham have been notified. The collective and individual consultations are already underway.

“Homebase will make every effort to minimise the impact of this potential closure on our colleagues and will ensure that any collective or individual concerns are appropriately addressed.

“We will try to ensure any opportunities in other areas of the business are available to as many affected colleagues as possible.”

News of the proposed closure comes three months after a new branch of B&Q opened just yards away from from the long-established Homebase store.

A spokesman for Parkgate Shopping said: “It’s always regrettable when a long-established store suffers hard times.

“Homebase has been part of the fabric of the park for many years and to lose that would be very sad indeed.”