Statement on Tesco Rawtenstall

Rossendale Council has been working with Department of Works and Pensions and in contact with Tesco since news broke that the Rawtenstall store was closing and to be replaced by a Jack’s.

The store is due to close on January 13 with 175 jobs affected.

Councillor Alyson Barnes, leader of the Council, said:

“It was very sad that Tesco will be closing at the end of this week. I understand it is being replaced by a Jack’s store but the change is inevitably leading to redundancies. It’s not a great way to start a new year. It is extremely distressing for workers involved.

“Since the news broke, council officers here have been in contact with the DWP as the local job centre are heavily involved and also Tesco as this Council can offer a number of things to support those staff who live in the local area including organising placements through our employability project.

“The economic climate is very tough at the moment but jobs are being created in Rossendale so hopefully people will be able to find work should they wish in the local area quite quickly.  We will continue to work with our partners to offer what support we can to mitigate the effects of this closure.

“While we regret that Tesco has taken the decision to close this store, we wish Jack’s success.”