Breightmet: 'Support package' for Morrisons closures

Earlier this summer, Morrisons announced that it would be shutting its branch on Bury Road, Breightmet to the dismay of staff and customers.

It is now understood that Home Bargains will be expanding into the vacant space while Bolton Council has announced that several measures will be put in place to help shopworkers who may be fearing for their jobs.

Bolton Council deputy leader Cllr Akhtar Zaman said: “Once we became aware of the news we moved quickly to respond and offered a package of support to employees affected by this situation.

“Officers from our Inclusive Economy Team continued to liaise with Morrisons head offices throughout the closure consultation period while concurrently putting together a rapid response support package in anticipation of the closure with Team Bolton’s skills and employment.”

The closure was discussed at Bolton Town Hall (Image: Newsquest)

Morrisons first announced in July that they would be closing the Bury Road store, which they believed had become unsustainable.

The final date for the closure is now believe to be set for Sunday September 17.

The council’s support package is aimed at helping members of staff who will be impacted by the store closing down, though it is understood that many of the shop workers have been found alternative jobs in other branches.

Cllr Zaman, who sits as Bolton Council’s executive cabinet member for regeneration, said that this package included one to one appointments to help understand people’s employment needs.

The would also be an information guide showing local support available and extra digital help at Breightmet Library.

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He also said that the DWP partnership manager was on standby to deliver to help with benefit support, information about the job centre and mini jobs fairs.

This was in response to questions put by Cllr Robert Morrissey, of Breightmet, at a full meeting of Bolton Council this week.

Cllr Zaman said: “Clearly those affected by Morrisons’ decision will be greatly concerned about their futures at this point in time.

“But I hope that the package of support we are delivering reassures Cllr Morrissey that the council and its partners are doing everything we can to support them at this difficult time.”