Burnham urges Poundland owner to work with government to save jobs

Andy Burnham has said Poundland’s owners must work with the government on a “practical solution” to secure the future of its workers and shops. The Prime Minister criticised Gordon Brothers, the US investment firm which owns the retailer, for failing to engage with the “viable propositions” which have been tabled by a number of bidders. Downing Street’s intervention comes amid growing political pressure on Gordon Brothers, as figures from Labour and Reform UK have criticised the Poundland owner for the handling of its attempted sale of the company. Burnham said: “[Gordon Brothers should] focus on the people in your employment. [ ] Come up with a practical solution that saves jobs and saves those stores because many of them are viable propositions. “They’re on high streets. They matter in our communities. There is a solution to be found here. Sit down with us and let’s find it.” On Tuesday, a Downing Street spokesperson said Gordon Brothers is “not acting in the best inte