Lucy Powell comments on news Boohoo will not take on high street stores of workforce as part of Debenhams purchase

Lucy Powell MP, Labour's Shadow Minister for Business and Consumers, commenting on the news that Boohoo has bought the Debenhams brand name but will not take on its high street stores or workforce, said:

"Seeing stores vanish from high streets across Britain will be a real blow to communities across our country, and it will be absolutely devastating for the 25,000 people who face losing their job.

"The pandemic has accelerated changes to the way we shop, yet the government continues to disadvantage bricks and mortar businesses against online companies.

"The support on offer for struggling businesses has been a series of sticking plasters. Unless the Government puts in place a long-term plan to help high street businesses survive this crisis and recover on the other side, we will see more well-loved high street names vanishing, and many more jobs lost."

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Notes to editors
Thousands of jobs are also likely to be lost with ASOS’ potential takeover of Arcadia’s high street brands including Topshop and Topman - ASOS confirms 'exclusive' talks to land Arcadia's Top brands | Business News | Sky News