Carol Mochan MSP

After extensive cross examination this afternoon, I’m deeply concerned that Gordon Brothers behaviour may have jeopardised thousands of jobs on Britain’s high streets. Over the last 17 months, they have taken millions out of Poundland when the business was on a ‘knife edge’. Now Poundland appears to be on the rebound, there’s concerning signs it’s been strangled of access to its own funds in what should be its busiest trading period in the run up to Christmas. Worse, Gordon Brothers refused to say it will prioritise saving jobs over and above its own financial returns. The prospect of a good outcome however is now higher thanks to the focus on the business of the last week. But Gordon Brothers now needs to do the right thing: give Poundland the access it needs to its own funds, and work as hard as possible for a future that protects the maximum number of jobs and stores.