Farron concerned for long term future of Woolworths

Following yesterday's announcement that Woolworths is to go into administration, MP Tim Farron has welcomed the news that stores will remain open until Christmas but has called for the North West Development Agency to ensure that no long term jobs are lost from Kendal store.

Woolworths employs over 30,000 staff in 815 stores across the country and yesterday suspended its stocks on the London Stock Exchange as it held talks with buyers in an attempt to rescue the company.

Mr Farron has called on whoever buys Woolworths to guarantee that they will keep regional shops, such as the one in Kendal open.

Commenting Mr Farron:

"The news that Woolworths will stay open until Christmas is a welcome relief for many Christmas shoppers in Kendal, but for the staff it's just a temporary stay of execution.

"Woolworths have been at the heart of market towns like Kendal for years. Whoever buys Woolworths must guarantee that they will remain committed to maintaining its important position within communities throughout the North West.

"The North West Development Agency must to do there utmost to ensure that once a successor has been found that no jobs are lost from the Kendal store."