Gorey Shopping Centre. Pic: Christy Farrell

Staff at the Gorey branch of Dunnes Store held an emergency meeting with Mandate trade union officials at the Amber Springs Hotel this evening.

This follows the decision by management to close the branch last evening.

Staff were shocked by the decision which came without warning.

Staff have been advised to turn up for their rostered shifts over the weekend although the store remained closed today.

The 100 workers at Gorey have received support from other Dunnes Stores branches at Arklow, Enniscorthy and Wexford.

A message of support has also been sent by the other stores that use Gorey Shopping Centre.

Chairman of Wexford County Council, Cllr Malcolm Byrne, who is a Fianna Fáil councillor in Gorey has commented on the shock closure.

“The staff were given no warning, no explanation and no clarity about the future.  “There are 100 workers in Gorey this morning who have no idea if they still have jobs.  It’s a totally unacceptable way to treat dedicated and hard-working staff who have given many years of loyal service to the company.”

Cllr Byrne said it is in the interests of Dunnes Stores, other stores at Gorey Shopping Centre, the staff and all the customers that normal business resumes as quickly as possible.

The sudden closure follows issues relating to a door leading directly to the carpark causing customers to bypass the mall which would inconvenience the other traders.

Yesterday, the Receiver was granted an injunction forcing Dunnes to close the door.

Dunnes Stores management at Gorey reacted by closing the business indefinitely.

Bannon Property Consultants, the managing agents, have told the tenants that the closure followed the granting of the injunction and have promised to keep them informed of developments.

The shopping centre was opened in October 2007.

Other stores in Gorey Shopping Centre are open for business as usual.