Store staff get jobs pledge

Cannock town centre's Somerfield store will close at the end of next month to be replaced by B&M Bargains, sparking job fears.

All 61 staff have been told they will be kept on at the new business but some are worried their posts may be axed later on. The last trading day will be Saturday, July 26.

The decision was taken because the store is almost twice the average size of others within the group.

There are no plans to close any of its other Midlands outlets.

Somerfield spokeswoman Karen Baxter said: "This decision to close the store was not an easy one.

"However the Cannock store is significantly larger than average for Somerfield.

"It is in excess of 14,000 sq ft, while our average store size is around 8,000 sq ft.

"Our current strategy is to focus on our position as a leading local grocer operating fresh food stores in convenient locations.

"The sale of the store is subject to the full transfer of undertakings and protection of employment regulations under which all jobs will transfer to the new owner.

"We would like to take this opportunity to thank store colleagues and our customers for their loyalty over the years."

Despite the assurances some staff are worried for their long-term futures.

One member of staff, who asked not to be named, said: "We were told at a meeting on Monday. We weren't expecting it at all. Many of the staff are naturally worried. It is always the same in this sort of situation."

Customer Ruth Garbett, aged 49, from Cannock, said: "It's a real shame. Cannock will be going down hill. Lots of people like shopping at Somerfield."

No one from B&M Retail Ltd, which recently opened a branch in Hednesford at the former Kwik Save outlet, was available for comment.