Marks & Spencer Peterborough closure plan is 'devastating' - Usdaw

Usdaw says Marks & Spencer's plan to shut Peterborough city centre store is a "devastating blow"

A union boss has described Marks & Spencer's plans to shut a Peterborough city centre store as a "devastating blow".

The Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers (Usdaw) said it was giving advice to affected members.

Regional Secretary Gavin Dadley said the closure would impact the wider community as well as staff.

M&S announced plans to shut its store in the Queensgate Shopping Centre due to changing shopping habits.

'Devastating blow'

"The closure of the Queensgate store in Peterborough city centre is a devastating blow for the staff, shoppers and the wider community," said Mr Dadley.

"Usdaw is providing support and advice to our members affected by this proposal at this very difficult time."

M&S announced plans to close its store in the Queensgate centre in Peterborough

He said M&S did not recognise Usdaw as the "union for their staff" and did not communicate with representatives directly.

Why is M&S planning to leave?

• M&S regional manager Craig Burton said shopping habits were changing

• The retailer was "rotating" its "store estate" to make sure it had the "right stores to offer customers"

• Mr Burton said in recent years M&S had "invested over £31m" in East of England stores

• He said staff would be offered "alternative roles with M&S wherever possible"

Mr Dadley said the retail industry faced "huge challenges".

He said 120,000 jobs were lost and more than 10,000 stores closed last year across the UK.

"Usdaw is calling for a robust plan for the future of retail work that addresses both the immediate and urgent priorities facing the industry and staff, as well as wider measures to help save jobs," he said.

Peterborough's Conservative MP said he was trying to persuade M&S to retain a presence in the city centre.

Paul Bristow said he hoped the retail giant would stay as a food-only store.