Comet administration adds to city’s ‘jobs crisis’

Hundreds of workers at 25 stores across Yorkshire are now facing redundancy as the high street braces itself for another major retail casualty.

The news is a bitter blow for Hull, the chain’s birthplace, where around 200 jobs are at risk at its George Street business centre and St Andrew’s Quay and Kingswood Retail Park stores.

More than 280 customer service roles were axed when the retailer closed its call centre there in March.

The latest jobs threat adds to a total 1,000 potential redundancies in the area in just over a week following turmoil at McCain Foods, Seven Seas and Kimberly Clark.

Diana Johnson, Labour MP for Hull North, said: “It’s all coming at a time when over 30 jobless chase each vacancy in Hull North – the second worst rate in the UK.

“Meanwhile the Ministerial shambles over green energy policy is making a seriously unhelpful impression on potential investors in the green energy jobs so vital for Hull’s future. This all amounts to a jobs crisis for Hull.”

Staff were informed of the plans yesterday and restructuring specialist Deloitte has been lined up to handle the administration.

Comet said it was “urgently working” to secure the company’s future and administrators are expected to seek a buyer.

Customers with outstanding orders are being told it is “business as usual until further notice”.