Hundreds of job losses as Argos set to close Irish stores

ARGOS has today announced the closure of its Irish stores, with the loss of 580 jobs across 34 stores.

The retailer will close all outlets and operations in the Republic of Ireland by the end of June, which includes stores in The Square, Liffey Valley and Nutgrove.

The company said it arrived at the decision to leave Ireland following a “long period of careful consideration and a thorough review of its business and operations” in the country.

“Argos concluded the investment required to develop and modernise the Irish part of its business was not viable and that the money would be better invested in other parts of its business”, the company said.

Andy McClelland, Argos Ireland Operations Manager said: “We understand this is difficult news for our customers and colleagues.

“As with any major change to our business, we have not made this decision lightly and we are doing everything we can to support those impacted.

“On behalf of everyone at Argos I would like to thank our colleagues, customers, suppliers and partners for their support to our business.”

As part of its consultation with colleagues and Mandate Trade Union, Argos stated that it will “propose an enhanced redundancy package that goes well beyond its statutory obligations”.

The small number of colleagues not eligible for redundancy under Irish Law are expected to receive a one-off goodwill payment.

To further support colleagues, Argos said it has also committed to a ‘programme of wider support’ over the coming months.

In a statement released, Mandate Trade Union said that it will be engaging “intensively” with the company to get the best possible deal for the workers being made redundant.

According to Mandate Official, Michael Meegan: “Today is a difficult one for Argos’s staff here in Ireland as they get the news that the company will be closing down here.

“Because Argos is shutting down its complete operation in Ireland this amounts to a collective redundancy which requires a 30-day consultation period and we know the company intends to honour that obligation to engage.

“We will be using this period to negotiate the best possible terms for those who are losing their jobs and we are expecting a constructive response from the company.”

Stores will remain open to customers in Ireland until June 24, with customers no longer able to pay for orders via the Argos website or place orders through its home delivery service after March 22.

Orders placed up to this date will continue to be fulfilled and customers will still be able to reserve products online and pay for them in store until the point of business closure.

The announcement does not impact stores in Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales or England.