SHOPWORKERS trade union Usdaw has called for retailers to offer former BHS employees a job in the wake of the retail giant’s collapse.

As administrators work to close the remaining stores throughout the country on Saturday – just weeks after the closure of the Clydebank store on July 23 – the union is asking retailers to take on the “dedicated, hardworking and experienced” staff who have been left out of work since the chain went under.

Dave Gill, Usdaw national officer, said: “This week marks the end of BHS, as the remaining staff go through the difficult and heart breaking task of dismantling stores that many have been in for most of their working lives.

“Wherever the blame lies for the demise of this once great British retailer, it certainly is not with the staff who are paying high price for corporate decisions that have led us to where we are today.

“Sir Philip Green needs to honour the two promises he made to BHS staff and pensioners after the company went into administration. Firstly, to offer employment within the Arcadia Group to the blameless, dedicated and loyal staff who suddenly find themselves unemployed. Secondly, to ‘sort’ the pension scheme, we are stilling waiting to hear the details of what he proposes.

“The 11,000 loyal staff have been totally let down. In the meantime we are providing the support, advice and representation our members require at this difficult time.”