Jobs at risk as Homebase looks to close Walsgrave store

More than 40 jobs are at risk after a well-known DIY store revealed it was considering closing one of its branches in the city of Coventry.

Bosses at Homebase have confirmed that the company is reviewing the possibility of closing its branch in Ansty Road, Walsgrave .

Consultation has already begun with the staff, all of whom could face losing their jobs in the next few weeks.

However, bosses at the firm have pledged to look at alternative employment for any affected staff.

It is understood the decision to consider closing the store has been taken as the company’s lease on the building is due to expire this summer.

A statement given to the Telegraph said: “Homebase can confirm that the business has entered a period of consultation concerning the proposed closure of our store in Walsgrave, Coventry, where the lease is due to expire.

“Colleagues at the store have been informed and we will be working with them to support them as much as possible.

“A decision will be made over the next few weeks and, if the store is closed, discussions will be held with colleagues to identify alternative employment opportunities within Homebase and our sister company Argos.

“Due to commercial sensitivities, we are unable to comment further at this time.”

The store has been operating in Ansty Road for more than 25 years and the company runs another store at Canley in the south of the city.

The news comes just days after Home Retail Group, which owns Homebase and Argos, announced it expected pre-tax profits for the year to be ahead of analysts’ forecasts of £107m at £111m.

The company has also been performing well on the stock market after share prices recently hit a near three-year high of 217p.

Source : Simon Gilbert - Coventry Telegraph
www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/coventry-news/forty-jobs-risk-homebase-considers-6896983