Two Wilko stores to close in Northern Lincolnshire

More than 300 jobs could be cut

Author: Rebecca QuarmbyPublished 10th Jan 2022

GMB Union has announced Wilko will close 16 stores across the UK. Two of them are Cleethorpes and Scunthorpe.

The move comes as the Union calls for commercial rents overhaul.

More than 330 jobs potentially lost as the shops shut over the next 12 months. The Scunthorpe store is due to close on 12th March and Cleethorpes on 1st October.

Each store will have a 30-day consultation period detailed below, while permanent recruitment in the vicinity of each site will freeze.

Roger Jenkins, GMB National Officer, said:

"These closures are devasting for Wilko workers and the communities who use them.

“It’s yet another nail in the High Street’s coffin and GMB calls on councils and landlords to review commercial leases and offer lower rents.

“Empty high streets and shopping centres are in no one’s interest and but with 400 shops a week closing, this is inevitable - unless the costs of premises can be reduced.

“GMB will now meet with Wilko members to discuss our next steps.”