490 Arcadia retail workers in Ireland, including in Kerry, are being made permanently redundant.
Arcadia, which owns brands such as Topshop, Dorothy Perkins and Wallis, went into liquidation in November; the pandemic and a move to online shopping were blamed.
Caroline McEnery of the HR Suite, says Mandate said there was a 2014 collective agreement providing for enhanced redundancy, but the former staff will only get statutory redundancy of two weeks per year of service capped at €600 per week.
Ms McEnery said a similar situation arose with former Debenhams staff; the Chair of the Labour Court Kevin Foley found a 2016 collective agreement had no legal application in the context of a liquidation.
Taoiseach informed that Debenhams workers rejected Labour Court proposal by 91%
Workers had been “shocked” and “disappointed” at the proposal for a €3m education and training fund. By Gráinne Ní Aodha Thursday 14 Jan 2021, 10:51 AM Jan 14th 2021, 10:51 AM 21,607 Views 44 Comments Debenham strikers outside the back entrance to the store in Newbridge County Kildare
Image: RollingNews.ie
Image: RollingNews.ie
A UNION HAS WRITTEN to the Taoiseach informing him that Debenhams workers have rejected the Labour Court’s suggested dispute resolution between former workers and the British retail chain.
The proposal document brokered by the Labour Court’s Kevin Foley had suggested setting up a €3 million fund to provide ex-Debenhams workers with training, education, career guidance and business startup supports.
The Mandate trade union, which represents around 1,000 former Debenhams workers, has urged the Taoiseach to make €3 million available to the workers in direct cash payments, rather than non-cash training and upskilling supports.
Government to set up €3m fund for former Debenhams workers herald.ie - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from herald.ie Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
The Government has agreed to set up a €3m fund for former Debenhams workers following an engagement facilitated by the chair of the Labour Court Kevin Foley.
Mr Foley agreed to become involved in the dispute following a request from the Taoiseach and the Tánaiste.
The engagement, which went on for three weeks, ended today.
The Government has agreed due to “exceptional circumstances” it is willing to set up a fund administered by Solas, with an advisory committee to include union officials.
It is understood the fund will be used to provide training and career guidance for the workers to help them plan for the future.