PC World and Currys could take on Hull Comet workers

HULL: Staff at collapsed chain Comet were handed the chance of joining a rival today after Dixons outlined plans to take on seasonal staff.

The owner of PC World and Currys has delayed its normal Christmas recruitment drive, when it expects to take on an additional 2,000 seasonal shop staff, to offer Comet staff the opportunity to join the business.

Comet is in administration

Dixons Retail Group chief executive Sebastian James said more than 500 Comet staff had already approached Dixons and he hoped the company could get as many staff as possible.

He said: "We do think that Comet colleagues know our business, know our customers and know our products very well."

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Comet was placed into administration on Friday and gift vouchers for the stricken electrical retailer suspended on Saturday. The temporary ban was lifted this week.

Deloitte has been searching for a buyer for Comet's 236 shops since last week, but Mr James said it would not make sense for Dixons to take on stores which were in many of the same retail parks across the country.

The high street electricals market in the UK has come under huge pressure as cash-strapped shoppers put off purchases of big-ticket items such as TVs and large appliances.

Mr James admitted Dixons was operating in a competitive market, but said the company had made good progress over the past few years.

In February, Comet announced proposals to close its Hull call centre.