LABOUR’s defeated candidate in the Uxbridge and South Ruislip by-election, Danny Beales, is calling for urgent support to protect employees of Wilko.

The store chain, which is in administration, has two outlets in Uxbridge and Yiewsley high streets. 

Mr Beales said there was a human side to every projected store closure.

He added: “We need Hillingdon Council to provide advice and support for those who might lose their job, and for the local Conservative MP and Government to take action to back our local high streets.

“The next few weeks will be crucial for these workers’ future, which is why I’ve written to the Government calling on them to provide families with news about what steps they will take to ensure staff now facing redundancy will be supported into new employment.”

“We lost Debenhams and many other local stores, and our council and Government lack any plan or ideas for our high streets."

Nationally, Labour has announced policies to cut business rates, cut energy bills, stamp out late payments, revamp empty shops and tackle anti-social behaviour.