B & Q

[Bob Martin]

Remember who you are giving your money to when you shop in B & Q

Short version :

[F]

Brian Gaff posted about this last week: 'This was not the living wage idea at all B/Q!'

[michael adams]

Unfortunately they're unlikely to back down.

From personal experience and comments generally on here about going into B&Q midweek certainly it seems they're often almost deserted, and sadly can't even justify the level of staffing they currently carry.

All that boycotting them will achieve is to lead to further cuts.

Like it or not, the law says that the Board's first responsibility is to the shareholders and not the employees. And until that changes, which is highly unlikely the employees will always be first to get it in the neck. Same as Asda currently cutting back on staff canteens and other "perks".

As to this particular chap's piece, I very much doubt his experience is much different from employees or managers of any of the sheds right now. They're all feeling the pinch only it never gets in the newspapers.

michael adams

...

[Brian Gaff]

Yes I posted this when it went up, they have blitzed radio and tv with adverts. My guess is that this is because the DIY side now has lots of competition from other companies, including supermarket chains. The point is though, that they should be honest with workers about things and maybe close a few of their outlets to save omoney but their main issue is their proices and quality. Brian

[harry]

Not enough people doing DIY, that's why. Idle gits just want everything done for them.

[Fredxxx]

They have, a local one has downsized.

The current labour market is one where there is an excess of workers chasing jobs. The living wage will make that more so.

I would have hoped greater attempts and calls for redressing this balance rather than force companies to pay above the market rate and whinge when they have a sound labour market policy.

[Dave Plowman (News)]

It's a long time since they were expanding. They've closed two branches round here over the years - and can't remember when they've opened a new one.