Northern Ireland

Debenhams workers from the Republic take campaign over redundancy pay outs to Belfast

Debenhams workers from across the Republic gathered at the protest outside the Belfast store on Royal Avenue. Picture by Mal McCann
Debenhams workers from across the Republic gathered at the protest outside the Belfast store on Royal Avenue. Picture by Mal McCann Debenhams workers from across the Republic gathered at the protest outside the Belfast store on Royal Avenue. Picture by Mal McCann

DEBENHAMS workers from across Ireland yesterday staged a protest outside the Belfast store as part of their campaign to win redundancy pay for more than 1,000 employees.

Staff gathered at the Royal Avenue outlet to demand contractual redundancy rights for workers after the closure of stores across the Republic.

The workers, who are members of Mandate Trade Union, have been protesting for a number of weeks outside the 11 closed stores.

They say they have been left with no alternative but to bring their campaign to the recently reopened store in Belfast.

Brian Forbes from Mandate said: "These workers have a combined 10,000 years of service to this company, helping to generate profits for the owners year after year.

"We’re protesting outside the Belfast store today, but next week it could be Derry, and the week after it could be Liverpool or Manchester.

"We are not going away until the workers get what they deserve," he said.

Meanwhile, Primark stores are set to reopen in Northern Ireland over the next week.

The two shops in Belfast city centre along with branches in Derry and Omagh will today with safety measures in place.

The remaining stores, located in shopping centres in Ballymena, Lisburn, Newry, Newtownabbey, Newtownards, will resume trading on Monday.

Chief executive Paul Marchant said: "While it might take a little longer to get into store, once inside customers will find all their favourite Primark products and plenty of choice as usual.

"We have worked hard to make sure that clear signage and extra help will be there to guide them through the changes we have made to allow for social distancing.

"We are also asking customers to respect the measures we have put in place to help ensure shopping at Primark is an enjoyable, safe experience for everyone."