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Usdaw members want answers from M&S over jobs

SHOPWORKERS picketed Marks and Spencer stores today, demanding to know the company’s plans for the future of their jobs.

The high street retailer has been hit by competition from online retailers, as well as falling spending power from austerity-struck shoppers.

M&S is undergoing “restructuring” affecting 100 stores over the next five years.

Shopworkers’ union Usdaw says the company refuses to detail its plans, leaving thousands of staff facing uncertainty.

Union members targeted shops asking customers to sign a TUC petition calling for the company to come clean on its plans, recognise Usdaw and work with the union on minimising job losses.

Usdaw general secretary Paddy Lillis said: “Now more than ever M&S staff need the support of an independent trade union, as the company goes through a major restructuring that is resulting in significant store closures and job losses.

“Nobody really knows when this will end, with the company chairman refusing to rule out more store closures at the shareholders’ AGM.

“This piecemeal approach to reorganising the business is extremely distressing for the staff.

“Usdaw has thousands of members working for Marks and Spencer and the staff now need, more than ever, the representation and support of an independent trade union.”

He urged M&S to allow Usdaw to represent its members.

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