FM says he will do what he can for ex Laura Ashley staff

The Welsh Government's First Minister has said he will "leave no stone unturned" in the attempt to help Laura Ashley staff made redundant as a result of the company's administration.

However, it is not known what the government and UK government will do now the company has admitted it cannot be saved and its chief executive left last week as part of one of the final batches of those made redundant.

Only a handful of staff have been left to work at the company's Newtown sites, with administrators PwC admitting no buyer is likely to be found.
 
Montgomeryshire MS, Russell George, said he welcomed the First Minister Mark Drakeford's commitment to work with the UK Government's Department for Work and Pensions to support those who have been adversely affected.
 
Questioning the First Minister via Zoom in the virtual Senedd today, Mr George said: “The job losses at Laura Ashley – an iconic and major employer in Newtown – would have been headline news if it weren’t for the current pandemic.

“It is devastating news that retail and manufacturing operations will cease. This news couldn’t have come at a worse time.

“Just a few months ago, approximately 550 workers were employed by Laura Ashley in Newtown and hundreds have been made redundant since. Clearly those remaining in work are anxious, as their jobs remain in the balance.

“I am imploring the Welsh Government to leave no stone unturned and do all it can at this very final opportunity to save this internationally-renowned company which has a long history of employing whole families in Montgomeryshire.

“I was pleased that the First Minister committed to working with the UK Government to support the highly-skilled and loyal staff of Laura Ashley and all of those in the wider supply chain who have been adversely affected by this news, but this remains deeply concerning for all the families affected."