Staff at Age UK charity shops in Derbyshire face uncertain future

The Age UK shops in Chesterfield and Glossop were among 67 to reopen earlier this month after coronavirus lockdown restrictions were relaxed – but several others across the county remain closed and question marks hang over their future.

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A well-placed source within Age UK told the Derbyshire Times that a number of the charity’s shops in the county – including Matlock, Bakewell and Belper – were set to close for good.

“It’s absolutely heartbreaking,” the source said.

An Age UK spokesperson could not confirm at this stage which of its stores would close.

They said: “Age UK is pleased to have reopened 67 shops across the country since June 15 and we’re continuing to work hard on preparations for reopening more of our shops in phases over the coming weeks and months.

“However, unfortunately Age UK has also taken the difficult decision to propose the closure of a number of our charity shops on a permanent basis.

“We are taking this action with a heavy heart and are currently consulting with staff who are affected and are therefore not able to provide further detailed information at this stage.

“Announcements about those shops not reopening along with the next phase of openings are expected soon.

“Information will also be available on our website – www.ageuk.org.uk.”

The news comes as a study by Pro Bono Economics, an independent charity, found one in 10 UK charities face bankruptcy by the end of the year as they struggle to cope with a £10billion shortfall caused by soaring demand for their services and lost fundraising income due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Matt Whittaker, chief executive of Pro Bono Economics, said: “Charities and other civil society organisations play a vital role in the day-to-day lives of many millions of us – and even more so at times of crisis.

“That contribution is too often taken for granted, leaving the sector subject to chronic policy neglect.

“If we don’t funnel more resource to charities in the coming weeks, it’s clear that many will struggle to survive.”

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