Argos to close outlets claims union

Argos is set to close all of its outlets in Ireland, according to the Mandate trade union.

In a statement this morning, it expressed disappointment at the company's decision to shut the Irish shops.

Argos, which is owned by UK brand Sainsburys, has over 30 stores across the country, including outlets in Tullamore Retail Park, Cloncollig and Golden Island Shopping Centre in Athlone.

Mandate's Michael Meegan said that the union will be engaging intensively with the company to get the best possible deal for the workers who are being made redundant.

“Today is a difficult one for Argos’s staff here in Ireland as they get the news that the company will be closing down here. Because Argos is shutting down its complete operation in Ireland this amounts to a collective redundancy which requires a 30-day consultation period and we know the company intends to honour that obligation to engage.

"We will be using this period to negotiate the best possible terms for those who are losing their jobs and we are expecting a constructive response from the company,” Mr Meegan said.

The owners of the Argos chain, Sainsburys, has been contacted for comment.