Union seeks talks with Primark over Littlewoods acquisition

Retail union Usdaw is seeking urgent talks with senior management at Primark after the discount clothing retailer announced it is to buy 120 Littlewoods stores across the UK.

The sale settles months of media speculation about the future of Littlewoods' high street stores, where Usdaw represents staff in all 120 outlets and the company head office in Liverpool.

Union officials have requested a meeting this week with senior Primark management to discuss its plans for these prime high-street sites and the staff employed in those stores.

"We welcome this sale as it finally clears up the damaging uncertainty for our members about the future of these stores," said Usdaw national officer John Gorle.

"The vast majority of our members are long-serving and loyal Littlewoods employees, and we will be urging Primark to do everything they can to retain that pool of highly skilled workers.

"We have an existing recognition agreement with Primark and will be using that relationship to make sure the Littlewoods stores' employees are protected in what will be undoubtedly a worrying time for them," Gorle added.