Daniel Adams, Usdaw National Officer says: “After extensive local consultation with the business in an attempt to secure jobs, today’s news is a devastating blow for the loyal and hardworking staff in Aberdeen and East Kilbride. 

"Usdaw remains concerned at the potentially premature nature of the decision regarding the East Kilbride site given that the company do not anticipate it closing for up to another 24 months. Usdaw has secured a commitment from the business that a formal dialogue will continue at East Kilbride during this time as we believe there remain a number of issues where further discussion is required. 

“Usdaw will continue to support our members at both sites and to press the company to maximise redeployment opportunities to minimise job losses and provide support for those members who are unable to find alternative positions within the business.”

Notes for editors:

Usdaw (Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers) is the UK's fourth biggest and the fastest growing trade union with over 440,000 members. Membership has increased by more than 17% in the last five years and by nearly a third in the last decade. Most Usdaw members work in the retail sector, but the Union also has many members in transport, distribution, food manufacturing, chemicals and other trades.

For Usdaw press releases visit: www.usdaw.org.uk/news and you can follow us on Twitter @UsdawUnion