Job fears as store hits crisis again

IT is business as usual for staff at two North Lincolnshire stores - after the company went into administration.

As reported on www.thisisscunthorpe.co.uk, value clothing retailer Ethel Austin went into administration for the second time in two years.

The company is the latest business to be hit by the recession with 3,714 jobs across the country at risk.

The 300-strong chain, which includes one store in the Foundry in Scunthorpe and one on Ashby High Street, Ashby, have all been told to continue with business as normal until a new buyer is sought.

But administrators MCR said it could not rule out closures or redundancies as there were 'no guarantees' that a buyer could be found in the current economic climate.

Neil Poole, chairman of the North Lincolnshire Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), said: "This is bad news for both Scunthorpe and Ashby High Streets.

"Hopefully the company will be quickly restructured and re financed to ensure both shops remain open for business and jobs are saved.

"The banks were bailed out by the public purse when they had difficulty trading, now they have play there part and support businesses who are now struggling to survive."

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