Farron calls for clarity over future of Kendal's Comet store

South Lakes MP Tim Farron is calling for Comet to be clear to staff about their future at Kendal's store ahead of confirmation that the business will go into administration as early as next week.

The retailer has suffered serious cash flow issues as it tried to stock up ahead of the main retail trading season over the Christmas period. The problems came as it traded without credit insurance, which protects suppliers if their customer collapses. Supplier terms became more onerous recently, after it emerged that OpCapita had received several unsolicited approaches for the business, people with knowledge of the matter added.

There are more than 240 stores across the UK and with the futures of the store uncertain, that leaves 6,000 people at risk of losing their jobs.

Commenting, Tim said: "This is dreadful news for Comet, especially for local people whose jobs are now in question. I hope that at this time the business can be open and honest to its staff as they deserve to be kept up to date. I am keen to work with the retailer to ensure the survival of the Kendal store and the safeguarding of jobs in our area."