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2025-01-27 13:59:00
A union has raised considerations over the way forward for its members who work in publish places of work working inside WH Smith outlets.
WH Smith is in talks over a possible sale of its Excessive Avenue shops because the enterprise has change into extra centered on its outlets in airports and repair and practice stations.
This has raised questions over the way forward for 195 publish places of work housed inside the Excessive Avenue shops. The Communication Employees Union (CWU), which represents Put up Workplace workers within the outlets, warned any potential closures can be “devastating”.
A spokesman for the Put up Workplace informed the BBC the corporate remained in touch with the retailer over its plans.
Since information of WH Smith’s potential Excessive Avenue shops sale emerged over the weekend, the BBC has been contacted by many individuals asking concerning the destiny of publish places of work inside the shops.
WH Smith has mentioned its Excessive Avenue shops stay a “worthwhile and cash-generative a part of the group”, and it’s exploring varied choices, “together with a potential sale”.
It added: “There may be no certainty that any settlement shall be reached, and additional updates shall be supplied as and when acceptable.”
The BBC understands the business relationship between each the retailer and the Put up Workplace is powerful, with advantages for each events, due to this fact any new potential purchaser would possibly preserve the present association.
The announcement comes amid a troublesome financial outlook for Excessive Avenue retailers.
The primary of WH Smith’s 500 shops opened greater than 230 years in the past, working as a information vendor. It has since grown into a significant Excessive Avenue and journey retailer.
The journey retail enterprise aspect of WH Smith – which operates from airports, practice stations and hospitals – now accounts for greater than 85% of its revenue and operates 1,200 shops throughout 32 nations.
The Put up Workplace mentioned it had been in touch with WH Smith to “perceive extra about their plans for his or her Excessive Avenue shops”.
A CWU spokesperson mentioned any potential closures can be “devastating, however they’re sadly all too predictable”.
“For much too lengthy, sure communities are being become postal deserts, and dangerous financial choices are eroding Excessive Streets up and down the nation,” the union mentioned.
