Debenhams store in Foyleside faces permanent closure after rescue bid fails
Speaking after the news was announced that Debenhams stores are set to close after efforts to save the chain which had fallen into administration had failed, MP for Foyle Colum Eastwood has said that workers deserve immediate answers and must be supported coming up to Christmas.
Said Mr Eastwood: “This is awful news for the workers of Debenhams this morning and is adding to the increased uncertainty that they have faced since April.
“Debenhams must provide answers to their staff for how long they will remain in employment and what support will be offered to them.
“In April, I wrote to the Department for the Economy when Debenhams had gone into administration to find out what support the Executive will provide to the workers.
“In response, the Department stated that If official notice of redundancies is received, the Department for the Economy’s Careers Service can provide one to one support to all of the employees who are affected.
“Derry’s city centre has seen many businesses close this year already due to the Coronavirus and this news that Debenhams is set to close is a blow to Derry’s declining city centre and Foyleside shopping centre.
“The loss of Debenhams will have a large impact on the retail offering of Derry.
“It’s important that the Department for the Economy provide immediate support to protect our regional economy.
“My office is on hand to assist Debenhams workers at this time,”added the Foyle MP.
