Sinn Fein spokesperson on Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Rose Conway-Walsh TD, has said that today’s announcement that New Look has appointed provisional liquidators as it seeks to wind down its Irish operations is a crushing blow for employees and their families, and called for the government to do all they can to support the workers.

Teachta Conway-Walsh said:

“New Look currently employs a total of 347 staff across its 26-store network, including a store in Castlebar in my own constituency. A majority of its stores are of small to medium size, employing an average of 12-13 staff per store

“Today’s news will be devastating to all of those staff and it is essential that New Look engage quickly and in good faith with the workers and their representatives regarding this announcement, and that a fair redundancy package is forthcoming.

“This comes in the wake of the news that another fashion retailer, Quiz, is to shut four stores across Ireland.

“I offer my solidarity and support, and that of Sinn Féin, to the workers affected in what is a very difficult time for them and their families.”