Alliance MP Mrs Long, accompanied by Alliance colleagues, spoke with workers from the Cregagh Road Tesco to discuss the possibility of keeping the popular branch open, as well as options surrounding redundancy should a rescue package not be possible.
It follows her meeting with Tesco management on the announced closures of the shop, in addition to their Connswater store, in a bid to seek assurances over the future of staff.
“I discussed with staff a number of options in terms of making the store more profitable and sustainable. They have a range of proposals, some of which have already been implemented and which are showing success. However, they have not been given an appropriate amount of time for which to show long-term results.
“Given the uncertainty, I also felt it prudent to work with staff around the issue of redundancy, because they feel they are not getting all of the information they need. We will be liaising directly with the Department of Employment and Learning to see what additional support can be provided.
“I am also currently seeking a meeting with the Chief Executive of Tesco to discuss options with him and put forward the ideas of the staff. Everyone realises to save the store, some changes will be required. What the staff want is a chance to show they have both the ideas and the energy to make that happen.”
ENDS