Marks & Spencer must consult with its works council
after being reprimanded by French courts for not consulting before deciding to
axe its European operations.
The company employs 1,700 people in 18 stores in France, who
all face redundancy if the plans go ahead.
French staff claim they heard about the decision on the
radio on the way to work last month.
But a spokesman for Marks & Spencer denied the
allegations, saying the company informed managers in France on 29 March.
The consultation process will begin on 24 April and French
stores will continue trading until the end of the year.
