Usdaw calls for trade union recognition for M&S staff after 'bombshell' jobs cuts

Trade union Usdaw has renewed its call for recognition as the trade union for Marks & Spencer staff after the company today announced 7,000 job losses across the business.
Marks & SpencerMarks & Spencer
Marks & Spencer

The union has also urged the Government to intervene to help save the high street.

Dave Gill , Usdaw National Officer, said: “This job loss announcement is yet another devastating blow for M&S staff and yet another bombshell for our high streets.

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“Usdaw has thousands of members working for Marks and Spencer and the staff now, more than ever, need the representation and support of an independent trade union; an experienced and knowledgeable union interrogating the company's business case for these job losses.

“We again urge M&S management to abandon their long-held resistance to allowing Usdaw to represent the staff.

"It is simply unjust that the company has made the decision not to engage with a trade union. The staff are telling us they want Usdaw to represent them, it should be their choice.”

M&S has said in the past that its staff are already represented through an employees group

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Usdaw called for a recovery plan to be developed with trade unions and retail employers and include:

*Fundamental reform of business rates.

*An immediate and comprehensive review of rental values and lease arrangements.

*Reform of UK tax law to ensure that companies pay their fair share of tax through tackling tax avoidance and the use of offshore havens, with the aim of creating a level playing field between online and high street retailers.

*Funding for local authorities so they can invest in their local economy, transport networks and high streets.

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*Investment in skills for retail workers, including through union learning and high-quality apprenticeships.

*A new deal for retail, distribution and home delivery workers based around a real living wage and guaranteed hours.

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