The Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations Bill Shorten today expressed concern for employees and their families affected by the closure of 32 Darrell Lea stores across Australia.

“The Government is saddened by this news and my first thoughts are with the 198 workers and their families who are facing terrible uncertainty today,” Mr Shorten said.  

“We are aware that the company is in administration and the Government is monitoring the situation very closely.”

“I spoke to the administrator PPB this morning and am advised that they will work closely with affected workers and their representatives regarding their entitlements and available support.

“I have specifically requested that PPB work with my Office and the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations to ensure that any issues surrounding employee entitlements are resolved as expeditiously as possible to provide certainty to affected workers.”

“We understand the decision is designed to help ensure the remaining 34 Darrell stores and 480 jobs at Darrell Lea are protected.”

“The Government sincerely hopes that a buyer can be found for the remaining Darrell Lea businesses.

“In the event that the company goes into liquidation all eligible employees will have access to the Gillard Government’s General Employee Entitlements and Redundancy Scheme (GEERS).

 GEERS is a basic payment scheme designed to assist employees who have lost their employment as a result of the insolvency of their employer and are owed certain employee entitlements.

 “The Government’s GEERS scheme is designed to act as a safety net for employees’ entitlements in situations just like these.”

 All affected workers will also be entitled to employment support through Job Services Australia.

 “These are tailored services which cater to individual needs and help people find new jobs as soon as possible,” Mr Shorten said.