Wolverhampton's BHS to shut next Wednesday

Wolverhampton council has joined forces with partners to provide support for workers when the Dudley Street shop closes.

Earlier this week it was announced that the shop, which has been in the city since the 1960s, as well as branches at the Merry Hill shopping centre in Brierley Hill and Walsall, would close by August 20.

It is believed staff at the Wolverhampton shop were told the news on Tuesday.

Watch: Wolverhampton shoppers' sorrow at high street giant demise

Councillor John Reynolds, the council's cabinet member for city economy said: "This is extremely disappointing news for all the workers at BHS. We will now work hard with BHS to support those facing redundancy, and draw on the help and advice of partners to provide new job and training opportunities.

"A number of companies in the area are growing and we will do as much as possible to ensure those people affected are able to compete for the new jobs being created by these businesses."

The council, Department for Work and Pensions, Job Centre Plus, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills , and Local Enterprise Partnership are putting in place practical measures to help look after the welfare of those employees hit by the news.

Firms such as Aldi, Sainsbury's and Boots have already expressed an interest in offering the affected workers an opportunity to apply for jobs. A small number of staff have secured employment at House of Fraser, New Look, and Debenhams in Birmingham. Staff across the 114 remaining stores were formally notified earlier this week that their jobs are going into redundancy consultation.

Company administrator Duff & Phelps has failed to find a buyer for the business as a going concern and will now look to sell the stores off piecemeal.

BHS Wolverhampton Store Manager, Cath Cottis, added: "It is a very emotional time for my wonderful team here at BHS Wolverhampton.

"With concessions, there is over 100 of us that are looking to be redeployed. We have over 524-years' service amongst us.

"I would recommend any organisation within the city that has vacancies, to consider the wide range of skills and personalities available."

Businesses interested in employing the workers should contact the council's employer engagement officer, Sharon Thompson, on 01902 555479 or email sharon.thompson@wolverhampton.gov.uk