Last minute bid talks to save Wilko and 12,500 jobs

According to reports a second last minute bid to save Wilko has been launched after the retailer went into administration two weeks ago.

Wilko has 400 shops and employs 12,500 workers and the GMB union has insisted that jobs “must be prioritised.”

Andy Prendergast, GMB national secretary, told the PA news agency: “The devil is in the detail but any bid that guarantees jobs must be prioritised.

“Losing Wilko will not only put 12,500 people out of work across the country, but would also be another nail in the coffin of the high street.

“PWC must recognise that creditors are not the only people with a stake on this – working people’s livelihoods must be the priority.”

A PwC spokesperson said, “Since our appointment as administrators of Wilko, we have worked relentlessly to secure a sale of the business, and talks are continuing with a number of parties.

“As administrators we’re intent on achieving the best outcome for everyone involved while preserving as many jobs as possible and adhering to our statutory duty to act in the best interests of the creditors as a whole.

“It would be inappropriate to comment on individual bidders or interested parties at this stage in the process.”