Statement from the Growth Company and the Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham following the collapse of Debenhams

Mark Hughes, Chief Executive of The Growth Company, said: “Following the news of the collapse of Arcadia and Debenhams we know that many thousands of retail workers now need help to find new roles, or develop new skills. Sadly these announcements of the closure of well-known high street brands are unlikely to be the last.  Many sectors are being impacted by the pandemic, and the retail sector is being hit particularly hard.

“Along with our partners, the Growth Company is here for Greater Manchester employees and suppliers impacted by this closure who need our support during these tough times. Our service EmployGM is there to signpost the support they need. Advice and help is also available for retail businesses that are in distress, potentially providing them with additional support and funding to safeguard jobs.”

Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said: “Arcadia and Debenhams workers are now facing a winter of real uncertainty but I want to assure them that Greater Manchester will do everything that we can to support them.  The Growth Company and their brilliant EmployGM service has already helped people across the city-region who have seen their jobs impacted by the pandemic.  I’d encourage anybody affected by the collapse of Arcadia and Debenhams to get in touch with EmployGM and take advantage of the support that is on offer. 

Employ GM is a service that is being delivered by the Growth Company in partnership with the GMCA to help individuals and employers who have been impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. The service connects employers with urgent temporary vacancies and matches them with individuals immediately available to carry out the work, whilst also providing volunteering, learning or training opportunities for furloughed staff. For more information and to get help from Employ GM visit www.employgm.org.