Several jobs at Phones 4U’s Altrincham outlet are under threat after the mobile retailer went into administration over the weekend.
The shop on George Street will be closed today and there must be severe doubt over whether it will open again after EE suddenly decided not to renew its contract with the company. Vodafone had made a similar move earlier in the month.
Staff have been told to report in today when they will learn more details. The company said staff would “continue to be paid until further notice”.
Mobile contracts taken out through the company would be unaffected, although phones ordered and not despatched would be. A customer service line – 0800 072 5855 – will be open today from 9am,
A total of 5,596 jobs are at risk, with Altrincham one of 550 stores belonging to the company. It also has outlets in Stretford, Manchester and the Trafford Centre.
Phones4u chief executive David Kassler said: “Today is a very sad day for our customers and our staff.
“If the mobile network operators decline to supply us, we do not have a business. A good company making profits of over £100 million, employing thousands of decent people has been forced into administration.
“The great service we have provided should have guaranteed a strong future, but unfortunately our network partners have decided otherwise. The ultimate result will be less competition, less choice and higher prices for mobile customers in the UK.”
Stefano Quadrio Curzio, from owners BC Partners, added: “Our over-riding concern is for all the dedicated hard-working employees of Phones 4U at a time of uncertainty for the company.”
