Argos is set to close all of their Irish branches in a shock announcement from the retail giant.
Trade union Mandate released a statement in which they expressed their disappointment. The news will come as a shock to Irish shoppers who often frequent their stores.
There are 34 Argos stores in Ireland with 580 employees. There will be no change to the retailer’s operations in Northern Ireland.
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All Irish stores will close on June 24, the retail giant confirmed. Argos said they are working with their colleagues and the Mandate trade union to "propose an enhanced redundancy package".
A statement from Argos read: As part of its consultation with colleagues and Mandate, the recognised trade union, Argos will propose an enhanced redundancy package that goes well beyond its statutory obligations.
"The small number of colleagues not eligible for redundancy under Irish Law are expected to receive a one-off goodwill payment."
Staff were told trading conditions in Ireland, including rents and the overall cost of doing business were reasons behind the closure.
Mandate official Michael Meegan said: "Today is a difficult one for Argos’s staff here in Ireland as they get the news that the company will be closing down here. Because Argos is shutting down its complete operation in Ireland this amounts to a collective redundancy, which requires a 30-day consultation period and we know the company intends to honour that obligation to engage.
"We will be using this period to negotiate the best possible terms for those who are losing their jobs and we are expecting a constructive response from the company."
Argos Ireland Operations Manager Andy McClelland said: “We understand this is difficult news for our customers and colleagues.
"As with any major change to our business, we have not made this decision lightly and we are doing everything we can to support those impacted. On behalf of everyone at Argos I would like to thank our colleagues, customers, suppliers and partners for their support to our business.”
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