Dozens of jobs axed at stricken Comet's Maidstone delivery hub
Comet, which
has stores across Kent including this one
in Ashford, was plunged into administration earlier this
month
by business editor Trevor Sturgess
More than 60 jobs are to go at Comet's delivery hub in Kent.
Administrators for the collapsed electricals retailer announced
this afternoon a further 735 jobs are going in the company's head
office, central functions and home delivery network.
A total of 603 jobs have been axed across the network's 12 hubs
- including 64 in Maidstone. Shocked staff were told the grim
news earlier today.
However, administrators at Deloitte say the hubs will continue
to operate with a significantly reduced workforce to complete
deliveries and continue to support the repairs operation.
So far, no jobs have been lost in stores, although many are at
risk if a buyer cannot be found for the 27 stores earmarked for
closure by the end of the month - including at Thanet Retail
Park, in Broadstairs.
A further 14 stores might be identified for closure unless a
buyer can be found or landlords agree to new terms. Administrators
have warned of inevitable redundancies among the 869 full- and
part-time employees at these 41 stores.
The remaining 195 stores are offering deeper discounts
as administrators continue to seek a
buyer.
Joint administrator Chris Farrington said: "Discussions
continue to take place with parties who have expressed interest in
parts of the business.
"However, it
is unfortunately necessary to begin a store closure programme and
to scale back the company’s support functions.
"While we will continue to do all we can to preserve jobs, we
are working hard to put in place comprehensive support to help
those employees who are made redundant during the
administration.
"This support includes connecting people to prospective
employers who are keen to offer roles to ex-Comet staff, and
providing assistance and workshops to help with job hunting skills,
such as CV and cover letter writing and interview skills, to
enhance their chances of securing new employment."
Comet - founded in the 1960s and recently bought by
equity investor OpCapital - struggled in the new era of
internet competition and was also hit by the overall decline in
electrical purchases as consumers tightened their belts in tough
economic times.
19/11/12
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