Workers sent home as Powerhouse closes

From the Lancashire Evening Telegraph, first published Thursday 3rd Aug 2006.

WORKERS at Blackburn electrical superstore Powerhouse were sent home after the firm was put into administration.

Yesterday the firm's parent company, New Zealand-based PRG Group, decided to close all 50 trading stores, making about 500 workers redundant across England.

The Blackburn store was opened at the Peel Centre, Whitebirk, in April 2005 by former Manchester United and England footballer Nobby Stiles.

Powerhouse has been in administration before prior to it being bought by its current owners in 2003.

Shop workers' union Usdaw general secretary John Hannett said: "Our members have worked miracles in keeping Powerhouse afloat in the intensely competitive electrical goods sector.

"They turned up for work to be told the company has gone into administration. It is a devastating blow for them.

"Our members have shown incredible loyalty to Powerhouse in often difficult times and deserve better treatment."

PRG chairman Jock Irvine said: "We are extremely disappointed we have had to take this decision but we believe it is the most responsible course of action, in the interests of all the creditors."

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