Topshop closes its 300 stores leaving furious employees worried about pay

TOPSHOP has shut all its stores indefinitely, because of the spread of coronavirus.

The store has said that all staff remain employed, but has only guaranteed pay until the end of March.

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The Arcadia group, which owns Topshop, said it was planning to close all stores from 4pm yesterday.

As well as 300 Topshop locations, the group is also shutting all Burton, Dorothy Perkins, Evans, Miss Selfridge and Wallis shops.

Furious employees of the group say that the announcement came less than an hour before chancellor Rishi Sunak announced wide-ranging measures to protect employees.

They say Topshop has promised to pay them for March, but that the company is unable to confirm whether employees will be paid after that.

A statement sent to employees read: "In line with many other retailers, the Group has made the difficult decision to close until further notice all of our stores from 4pm this afternoon.'

"All store staff remain employees during this time and will be paid their normal pay for March plus any outstanding overtime payments, after which we will review this situation and will be keeping our store teams updated."

Employees and customers have responded angrily to the news, especially the lack of clarity over future pay.

Rece tweeted: "I work for Topshop. my manager said we have this month's wages then they're not paying anything.

"I'm 18 and work weekends, I don't know if the government will pay me the 80 per cent wage which I need for my disabled mother."

Lauryn added: "Just showed up to start my shift at Topshop to hear everyone in the business has been “laid off” till further notice and stores closed.

And Lucy said: "I was just temporarily laid off from Topshop, so still on payroll, just not earning.

"However I can’t see them actively applying to the scheme."

Chancellor Rishi Sunak yesterday revealed that the government would pay up to 80 per cent of wages - or up to £2,500 a month - for people who are not working but kept on payroll.

It is not yet clear whether Arcadia Group employees will benefit from this scheme.

The Sun has asked Arcadia for a comment and will update this story when we know more.

Ikea is set to close all 22 UK stores due to coronavirus, but customers can still shop online.

Meanwhile, easyJet staff have been asked to take three months unpaid leave due to coronavirus.

And TK Maxx has shut all of its 349 stores as the virus continues to spread throughout the UK.