Sinn Féin spokesperson on Enterprise, Trade and Employment Louise O’Reilly TD has said the announcement that close to 500 jobs have been lost due to the closure of the Carphone Warehouse is a huge blow to workers and to retail in the state. 

She further called for any redundancy payments owed to the workers to be paid promptly.

Speaking this afternoon, Teachta O’Reilly said:

“The news that close to 500 workers from the Carphone Warehouse are to be made permanently redundant is an incredible blow to these workers, their families, and their communities. Indeed, it is a massive blow to the retail sector in Ireland.

“What is important now is that the workers receive support, and that any redundancy payments owed to the workers are paid out promptly.

“In addition, this difficult news reinforces the need to ensure that training, upskilling and educational supports are in place for these workers, and any worker who loses their job.

“The loss of these jobs is a huge blow, and it reinforces the difficulties that the pandemic has created for workers and for businesses.

“This difficult situation raises many questions. It also reinforces the need for the government to help create greater employment opportunities.

“It compels us to make sure we have world class training, upskilling, and educational supports, and it highlights how we need to reimagine and redesign our towns, cities, high streets, and shopping districts to offer a greater mix of attractions which can draw in footfall and help business.

“For now though, the most important thing is that these workers are given the support they need and that any redundancy, wages, or other monies owed to them by their employer is paid as soon as possible.”