Final Christmas for Woolies

Administrators for the company said 207 stores across the country will shut on December 27, another 200 three days later, 200 on January 2, and 200 on January 4.

Shopworkers' union, Usdaw, said it was appalled at the news which would lead to the loss of 30,000 jobs nationwide if no buyer is found in the next couple of days.

John Gorle, Usdaw National Officer, said: "We are shocked staff will only be given 10 days notice of store closures and deeply disappointed by the news no buyer has yet been found for Woolworths.

"Redundancy is devastating at any time of the year, but particularly so at Christmas. In anticipation we sent out a detailed letter to our members at the end of last week, giving information on their rights.

"We are currently talking with the administrators to secure the best possible terms for our members with regards to pensions, holiday pay and the speed of receipt of redundancy pay.

"We have also called on the Government to ensure its rapid response teams at the local Job Centres will be ready to help staff to find new employment as quickly as possible.

"Worried members should contact their Usdaw reps or the local union office and comply with instructions from their store managers."

John Hannett, Usdaw General Secretary, said: "The Woolworths staff are extremely loyal, dedicated and well trained and wherever vacancies exist in the retail sector we will use our contacts to find alternative employment as speedily as possible."