Worksop: Future is bleak for local jobs after Phone 4u chain crashes

Phones 4u was abruptly placed in administration on Monday (15th September) after network providers Vodafone and EE suddenly withdrew their support for the company.

This meant that Phones 4u was forced to immediately close all it’s 720 stores, including its one on Bridge Place in Worksop.

Administrators say they are now trying to find ways to ensure staff are paid and find a buyer for the business, but job losses still seem inevitable at all stores.

All the closed stores had notices outside explaining why the store was closed.

The notices ended by saying they were from the ‘heartbroken Phones 4u team’.

A ray of hope has been offered by market rivals Dixons Carphone which has suggested it could hire up to 800 former Phones 4u workers.

However, the vast majority of Phones 4u’s 5,600 staff face a bleak future.

Coun Jo White, Bassetlaw Council cabinet member for regeneration, said: “Any shop closure on our high streets is disappointing and we have the utmost sympathy for the staff in Worksop who have been affected by Phones 4u going into administration.”

“However, in Worksop we currently have an empty shop rate of less than 12 per cent, which is below the national average.”

“We will be working with Worksop Business Forum in addition to the Invest in North Notts project to ensure that businesses continue to invest in the district and have a place on our high streets.”