Debenhams announces the closure of its Burnley warehouse

Saturday, 30 August 2025 at 07:00

By Shaun Moore

Usdaw is urging Debenhams to end what it calls its “anti-union stance” after announcing the closure of its Burnley warehouse.

The company plans to move operations to Sheffield, leaving staff at the former Boohoo site devastated.

The union says workers deserve a proper voice during the process and is calling on Debenhams to engage with them.

Amanda Bailey-Coll – Usdaw regional secretary for the North West says: “Our members are shocked and devastated by today’s announcement that Debenhams Group plan to close the former Boohoo site in Burnley and move operations to Sheffield. We are urging the company to allow the staff to have a proper voice through this very difficult and distressing process, by engaging with Usdaw to ensure our members are treated with fairness and dignity.

“For some years, we have been seeking a dialogue with Boohoo, now Debenhams, to enable us to represent our members’ concerns. We have been met with a wall of silence from management and staff have been told in no uncertain terms not to engage with the union. The staff are now facing the fight of their lives and that is why they need the support and expertise of an independent trade union.”