Staff shocked by bakery chain's branch closures

Chloe Morrison, the store manager for two Market Harborough Butterwick branches, said staff were "shocked" by the announcement

A store manager of a bakery branch which was closed with immediate effect on Monday said she cried when she found out she had been made redundant.

Butterwick announced on Monday that 12 of its 14 stores would close with immediate effect and only its stores at Rushden Lakes retail park and St Giles' Street in Northampton would remain open.

Chloe Morrison, the manager of two Market Harborough Butterwick branches, said staff were "shocked" by the announcement.

Butterwick has been approached for comment, but previously said it was "heartbroken" for the impact on their staff.

Ms Morrison said staff members received an email on Monday morning that the company would close 12 of its 14 bakeries.

"It was very emotionally draining, and I was just so shocked and quite taken aback by it.

"I never thought that this would happen, I really believed in the in the Butterwick brand," the 28-year-old said.

'Hard financially'

Butterwick had branches across Northamptonshire and Leicestershire, as well as in Milton Keynes, Rugby and Retford.

The company - founded by couple Fiona and Ryan Scarborough in Corby, Northamptonshire - said it was "heartbroken for the impact on our incredible team members".

Ms Morrison said: "Mentally, it's affected me. I've not been eating or sleeping well for the past few days because I've just been so stressed and overwhelmed trying to find a new source of income."

The 28-year-old said it had been "hard financially", but added: "We always come out stronger on the other side."

She told the BBC she had received support from her family and said it was "heart-warming" that customers had reached out to her.

Charlotte Bake, general manager of the Retford branch, told the BBC she was in contact with a food bank and was going to receive support from her family.

"It's all I can do while I look for a job so I can get some money in, because at the moment, I don't have anything," she said.

"We want people to know that the shops that are still open, the staff that are working for them now, it's not their fault," she added.

Jo White, MP for Bassetlaw, said she was "very concerned" to hear about the closure of the Retford store.

"I am seeking to ensure that every possible measure is taken to support staff through this difficult time," she added.

The owners of the bakery chain previously said it was with "deep regret" they announced the closure of 12 of its stores and the decision had not "been made lightly".

"Despite tireless efforts to secure all stores and protect every role, the continued rise in operating costs and significant changes in customer spending habits have left us unable to sustain the business in its current form," they added.