UK-based clothes chain Principles has been criticised for the method by which staff at the company’s Republic of Ireland stores were informed of their job losses.
A provisional liquidator has been appointed by the High Court to the Principles company of clothing stores which employs 216 people at 32 outlets throughout Ireland, and also to a related shoe company employing 121 people.
According to Mandate trade union, Deloitte, which is acting as liquidator to the company, sent representatives to the stores to tell staff members what was happening.
“It is inconceivable why Principles management, as the employer, could not inform their own staff members of their future,” Mandate assistant general secretary Linda Tanham said.
She said staff members at Principles had no idea when they would be paid for their work. Most of the workers were paid on a monthly basis and they had been told they would need to claim their wages from the liquidator, she added.
There are several Principles outlets operating in Ireland including concessions in Arnotts, Debenhams and stores in Blanchardstown, Dundrum, Blackrock and Limerick.
A statement from liquidator David Carson of Deloitte said all employees had been made redundant today.
"A number of staff will be retained on a day-to-day basis to assist in the orderly wind down of the business. The liquidator will assess all available options over the coming days. Staff representatives were informed of the move in a series of briefings this afternoon.
Mr Carson was also appointed as provisional liquidator to Shoe Studio, which is also a Mosaic Fashions Group company.