Staff at Lincoln's Homebase store put into consultation

A major home improvement retailer could be closing its doors and leaving the city of Lincoln.

Homebase, located on The Sidings, has announced consultations with staff over the proposed closure.

If the store was to close, around 30 jobs would go.

The company's sales figures in February this year stood at £1.5 billion and its internet presence is ever growing.

One member of staff, who did not want to be named, believes closure is inevitable.

"The staff have been told that closure is a possibility and that we could be facing redundancy in October.

"But I think a lot of people see it as a done deal because the store doesn't make enough money.

"As many as 30 members of staff could be losing their jobs, although there may be opportunities for us in other companies in the Home Retail Group."

A statement issued by Homebase said: "Over the next few weeks Homebase will be holding consultation meetings with colleagues over the proposed closure of our Lincoln store to review a series of options."

Justin Brown, head of enterprise at Lincolnshire County Council, admitted it would be a blow to see Homebase leave.

He said: "Although it would be disappointing news if Homebase did decide to close, the overall picture for Lincoln is very positive.

"Our High Street businesses seem to be performing strongly and we're seeing national chains being attracted here.

"Compared to other cities, Lincoln is in a strong position at the moment."

Source : Lincolnshire Echo
www.thisislincolnshire.co.uk/30-jobs-threat-staff-fear-closure-Homebase-store/story-16628886-detail/story.html