Retail trade union Usdaw has welcomed the intervention of supermarket giant Morrisons in rescuing convenience retailer McColl’s, potentially saving 1,100 stores and 16,000 jobs.

Usdaw is now seeking assurances for the future for staff along with trade union recognition to give them a voice in the business.

Joanne McGuinness – Usdaw National Officer says: “It is great news that Morrisons has been successful in their bid to buy McColl’s out of administration and it will be a huge relief for the staff. We are now seeking urgent discussions with Morrisons to help secure the future for the staff.

“McColl’s was a non-unionised business, which meant their staff had no real voice in the future of the business. Usdaw has a long-standing and productive relationship with Morrisons and we will be looking to extend trade union representation to all staff in McColl’s.”

McColl’s has 1265 convenience stores and newsagents across England, Scotland and Wales, including in Llanidloes, Powys. On May 6 2022 it was announced that the company would enter administration this week (May 9).