“UK retailer Debenham’s terminated workers demand arrears”, 06 September 2020

The recently terminated employees of Debenhams' Bangladesh office yesterday demanded full payment of the wages and other monetary benefits owed to them by the London-based multinational retailer as per Bangladesh's labour laws.

"By our calculations, Debenhams owes $1 million in salaries, allowance and other service benefits," said Bahauddin Mohammed Ataullah, president of the Debenhams Bangladesh Employees Association.

Citing financial constraints, Debenhams appointed an administrator for its Bangladesh office and eventually terminated 69 staff members in April earlier this year.

However, Debenhams itself did not comply with the country's regulations when it terminated those Bangladeshi workers.

… [M]any of the company's previous employees are finding it difficult to maintain their livelihoods amid the ongoing pandemic due to a lack of income and other benefits, he said.

"We will go to the court. Debenhams does not have the reputation and should maintain compliance," he said, adding that the termination of workers during the two-month nationwide general holiday aimed at curbing the spread of Covid-19 was illegal.

The international brand used to spend more than $120 million annually to purchase various goods from Bangladesh, particularly high-end garment items, said Zahangir Alam, the coordinator of Debenhams Vendors Community in Bangladesh.