B&Q's offer to workers after deciding against town move

B&Q have pulled out of negotiations to acquire the Focus Store in Shepton Mallet, it was confirmed this week.

The news has come as a bitter blow to Focus's 17 strong workforce in the town who were pinning their hopes on their jobs being secured by the DIY giant coming to the rescue.

The retreat will allay the fears of some local traders that "B&Q will do to the DIY world what Tesco has done to the food world."

However, it has been a major bombshell for the Focus team who were pinning their hopes on the Kingfisher Group, which owns B&Q, of stepping in to save their jobs.

The DIY giant has, however, offered all affected employees the chance to apply to other B&Q stores.

A B&Q spokesperson said: "B&Q confirms that it has not taken up the option to acquire the Focus store in Shepton Mallet, therefore it will remain with the administrators.

"Those affected have been given the opportunity to apply for roles at nearby B&Q stores, with the closest of them being in Glastonbury."

Administrators Ernst and Young have already been successful in finding buyers for 55 Focus stores across the country.

They will have to keep looking for an alternative option for Shepton's store.

Source : Shepton Mallet Journal
www.thisissomerset.co.uk/B-amp-Q-s-offer-workers-deciding-town/story-13201322-detail/story.html