Despite the best efforts of the GMB union it seems like all Wilko stores will close with the loss of 12,500 jobs.
The impact will be significant. People will lose jobs in a cost of living crisis and communities will lose another well used high street shop.
Labour leader Keir Starmer recognised the point on social media arguing that a Labour Government will give people hope for the future. One may be sceptical given Rachel ‘fiscal’ Reeves statements but there is still a contrast with Rishi Sunak who said precisely nothing. The richest MP in Parliament is no doubt unfamiliar with shops like Wilko.
There is a strong echo of the Tory 1980s when the Thatcher Government saw industries like coal and steel decimated, jobs lost and communities devastated. The price is still being paid- by working people not the Tories mates.
But there is a further angle. One reason why Wilko is closing is that the law prioritises the financial interests of creditors and suppliers over those of workers and communities. New Labour originally planned to level this playing field but didn’t. It still needs levelling.
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