A SUPERMARKET in the Torfaen area has announced it will close next month, putting 26 jobs at risk.

The Co-operative store, in Llantarnam Road, Cwmbran will close on Saturday, February 11 with staff finishing their roles on Saturday, February 18.

The plans will also affect six staff members from the clothes store Peacocks — housed within the Co-op —with staff being offered roles at Cwmbran Shopping’s store, union officials confirm.

Area organiser for the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers (USDAW), Bipil Pitrola, confirmed 23 Co-op staff and one Peacocks employee have taken voluntary redundancy so far.

He said: “It’s a difficult time for people to have a message around redundancy but as a union we support all our members to develop themselves so that they can have the advantage when they’re applying for new jobs.”

The organiser added that USDAW is encouraging staff to get involved with Welsh Government employment schemes such as ReAct and courses to develop skills such as CV writing and I.T literacy.

Last week, union representatives met with Torfaen politicians including MP Nick Thomas-Symonds, AM Lynne Neagle and Llantarnam councillor Dave Daniels, to discuss options moving forward.

Torfaen’s MP, Nick Thomas-Symonds said: “This is obviously a very worrying time for the workers and their families.

"Having met a representative of USDAW recently, I know the union is doing all it can to assist in such a difficult situation.

"I am also available, as always, to be contacted by any workers or families affected locally who have any concerns or issues they want to raise with me." 

Torfaen’s AM, Lynne Neagle, added: “We have already made representations to the Co-op Group to ask them to think again but unfortunately they are not prepared to do so.

“This is very bad news for the community and above all our thoughts go out to the staff who will be affected.

"USDAW briefed us last week on their efforts to help and support the staff and we will do everything we can to support USDAW in their efforts.”

Cllr Dave Daniels said he would “ensure the council's employment team offers any support staff might need to help them find work elsewhere."

"Obviously, it's very sad news that Llantarnam Co-op will be closing after all these years. Sad for both the community, which is losing an accessible local supermarket, and for the 26 staff who will be losing their jobs - some of which have worked at the store for many years," he said.

A Co-op spokesman said: “The Co-op is moving forward with a clear purpose and momentum.

"While this often involves the opening of new stores, we do regularly review our food stores and sometimes we have to make difficult decisions.

“The decision is in no way a reflection on the hard work and commitment of colleagues, who have been informed, and every effort and support is being taken to help find alternative positions.”