By Basant El-Faramawy
Andy Burnham has called on Poundland's executives to engage with the government to secure a future for the retailer's stores and protect roughly 11,000 jobs.
Administration threat
Poundland filed a notice to appoint administrators last week, placing the chain on the brink of collapse. Its US-based owners, Gordon Brothers, bought the company for £1 last year and launched a sale process in September, but the retailer's future remains uncertain despite interest from several major supermarket chains.
Government intervention
Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds is set to meet Gordon Brothers amid criticism of their handling of the situation. Burnham said the government is prepared to help find a solution, urging executives to focus on their employees, meet with the Business Secretary, and develop a practical plan that saves viable high‑street stores.
