HMV staff should be paid before creditors – Byrne

Fine Gael Dublin South Central TD, Catherine Byrne, has today (Thursday) said that HMV staff should be paid before the company’s creditors. Deputy Byrne was speaking after it emerged that staff at the troubled music retailer have not been paid for hours worked over Christmas.

“HMV has handled this entire situation very badly. First, customers learned that gift vouchers, which had been paid for in full, would not be honoured. And now, staff members are worried that they may not be paid for weeks of work in December and the New Year.

“Staff at the retailer have gone through a very stressful couple of days, and the least they deserve from their former employer, or the receiver Deloitte, is reassurances that they will get paid what they are owed, when they are owed it. It is deplorable that staff in a number of shops feel they have no option but to stage a sit in to get what they are entitled to.

“HMV had hoped to boost revenues through bumper sales during the Christmas period, and yet now they are letting down the staff who made this possible.

“Everyone’s primary concern must be on securing as many jobs as possible. However, as the receiver Deloitte works through this process, HMV should not be let off the hook when it comes to its staff or customers. Staff should be paid ahead of creditors. And any customers who cannot get a refund on gift vouchers from their bank, should not be left out of pocket by the retailer.

“HMV is an iconic brand name and I hope that jobs can be saved through the restructuring of the business. However, HMV’s behaviour in the last 24 hours will do nothing to help the struggling retail sector.”

ENDS