Up to 70 jobs could be lost as Waitrose closes store

By Tara O’Connor, Local Democracy Reporter

Waitrose will close a town centre branch after 13 years in November with the possible loss of 70 jobs.

The store in George Street near East Croydon railway station is expected to close for good on November 12. It employs 70 members of staff who could lose their jobs. The other shop closing down is in Newcastle.

James Allen, Head of Retail for Waitrose, said: “We appreciate that this is incredibly difficult news for our Croydon partners and customers. We have taken great pride in being part of the community for more than 13 years so the proposed closure is not something we take lightly and without having looked at all the alternatives

“I am extremely grateful for the hard work and dedication shown by all our partners working there and we will do everything we can to support them through this challenging time.”

Waitrose said it will work to find jobs elsewhere for staff and said it is still consulting with staff on the closure. The company said it will support those at risk of redundancy and contribute up to £3,000 towards a qualification or course for up to two years for those who have worked there for more than two years.

Residents have been reacting to the news on social media. Labour Councillor Chris Clark said he was “disappointed” by the decision and gave his thoughts to those at risk of redundancy. He added: “I hope they will consider alternatives to closure during the consultation process.

Fellow Labour councillor Sean Fitzsimons said: “This is a bonkers idea. 3,000 new homes being built within 500 metres of this East Croydon Waitrose store.”