200 former Wilko staff who were sadly made redundant as the business entered administration have been offered jobs at Poundland.
And we absolutely love to see it.
We all know by now that it’s been a turbulent couple of weeks for Wilko after it entered administration back in early September, but after it was sadly announced back that all of the retailer’s outlets across the UK would be forced to close, leaving around 12,500 jobs at risk, a glimmer of hope was offered – and that glimmer of hope was that several dozen stores had been saved.
That’s because Pepco Group – the company which owns Poundland in the UK – managed to strike a deal with Wilko administrators PwC to take control of up to 71 store leases.
The firm also announced plans to covert the 71 stores into brand-new Poundland branches.
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Poundland has offered jobs to 200 Wilko staff who were made redundant / Credit:
The several dozen stores, including six in Greater Manchester, have already begun the process of converting over – with all set to have started new lives as Poundlands before 2023 is out.
At the time of the takeover, Pepco Group was quick to say that it would be offering roles to some of Wilko’s former employees at the sites it is taking control of, but this week, the company’s finally delivered on that promise.
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It’s revealed that 200 ex Wilko staff members have now been offered jobs at newly-converted Poundland stores.
It comes as 71 former Wilko branches have begun the process of converting into new Poundlands / Credit: Poundland
Poundland’s managing director, Austin Cooke, reinforced that the company is keen to “prioritise” former Wilko staff throughout the takeover.
“Our people make Poundland special,” Mr Cooke explained.
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“Last week, they did an amazing job to turn ex-Wilko stores into brand new Poundlands in just six days, and the size and scale of what they’ve achieved has been nothing short of phenomenal, but they worked hard because we meant what we said about moving quickly to create jobs for Wilko colleagues”.
He added that staff would “pull out all the stops” throughout 2023, and particularly in an attempt to “repeat that feat” as they open another 10 stores this weekend.
Mr Cooke continued: “I know from meeting our new colleagues from Wilko, how delighted they were to welcome customers old and new back to their store last weekend, and that’s inspiring us to keep the pace up.
“We want to bring the amazing value [Poundland] promises to more high streets.”
Featured Image – Wilko (via X)
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Bury actress Kate O’Flynn wins big at 2026 Emmys with record-breaking comedy show
Emily Sergeant
Did you know that one of the big winners at the 2026 Emmy Awards last night was actually an actress from Bury?
In case it wasn’t on your radar, American television‘s biggest night, the Emmys, took place yesterday evening over in Los Angeles, and several records were broken in the process – including Apple TV’s comedy horror Widow’s Bay taking home the most Emmys ever for a single series of a comedy show, with 14 of them.
Widow’s Bay tells the story of mayor Tom Loftis, played by Welsh actor Matthew Rhys, who is trying to boost tourism on his rugged New England island, but must navigate several strange events that suggest it might be cursed.
Created by Katie Dippold, and executive produced and directed by Hiro Murai, Widow’s Bay was released in late April to widespread critical acclaim.
At the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards last night, the show scooped a record 14 awards, including for Outstanding Comedy Series, several acting wins, and wins for directing and writing too.
One of those acting wins was Kate O’Flynn for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series – an actress who hails from the Greater Manchester town of Bury.
Kate stars as Patricia Moyer, mayor Tom’s eccentric assistant in the show.
She grew up in Holcombe Brook near Ramsbottom, and was educated at Bury Grammar School, before she went on to train at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Acting in 2006.
Taking to the stage to accept her award last night, Kate said in her speech: “I want to thank our mayor [Matthew Rhys] and all the residents of Widow’s Bay, in front and behind the camera – you’re amazing. This is the role of a lifetime, thank you Katie and Hiro for trusting a Lancashire lass to play a sassy broad like Patricia. And thank you Apple [TV] for saying yes.
“Thank you Nicky and Tony for looking after me, my family back home, my mum and dad, and the loves of my life, my husband and our darling daughter – another sassy broad in the making.
“This is for all the Patricias out there, see you at Sunset Cocktails to celebrate. Thank you.”
Featured Image – The Television Academy (via YouTube)
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M&S launches new Too Good To Go partnership – with NINE Greater Manchester stores signed up
Emily Sergeant
M&S has finally decided to partner with food waste charity, Too Good To Go.
As of yesterday, a total of 350 M&S stores across the UK – including nine major sites in Greater Manchester – now offer new Too Good To Go ‘Surprise Bags’ that are made up of surplus bakery goodies, giving customers the chance to collect quality food at a reduced price at the end of the day directly from in-store bakeries.
The launch follows a trial in a select number of UK stores, and the Surprise Bags will include bakery treats such as pastries, cookies, and fresh bread.
The partnership with Too Good To Go is the latest move in M&S Food’s work to reduce surplus food and ensure good food doesn’t go to waste.
Greater Manchester stores that will be taking part in the new Too Good To Go partnership include Manchester Market Street, Trafford Centre, Stockport, Spinningfields, Prestwich, Wigan Robin, Bolton Middlebrook, Bury The Rock, and Ashton Moss.
Each of the Surprise Bags will include three to four bakery products to a minimum retail price of £10.20 for just £3.80.
Available Monday to Saturday, customers can order their Surprise Bags through the Too Good To Go app, and collect them one hour before their local store closes.
“It’s great to be involved in this new launch with Too Good To Go to help reduce food waste,” commented Chris Parker, who is the Store Manager at M&S Bolton Middlebrook.
“Our in-store bakeries are incredibly popular with customers, and at the end of the day, customers will now be able to order and collect surprise bags offering fantastic surplus bakery products at great value.
“By finding new ways to re-purpose surplus products, we’re helping ensure more food is enjoyed rather than wasted. This partnership is another positive step towards reaching our goal of halving food waste by 2030.”
Emily Sergeant -
5th October 2023 
