23 administrators


At the start of the year, like many I was saddened to see the news that much cherished music high street retailer HMV had gone into administration. Thoughts must go to the staff at what must be an extremely difficult time. Upon


announcement administration,


the of


it was


confirmed that gift cards and vouchers would not be accepted. i felt that this was very unfair on consumers, many of whom may have received such a gift only a matter of weeks previously. I wrote to administrators asking them to reconsider their decision not to accept vouchers and gift cards. I received a very prompt response for which I am grateful and Deloitte are to be commended for the diligent work. Later on that week,


Deloitte confirmed that they had reconsidered and would now accept vouchers. I was delighted that HMV and their


had


reconsidered, and I’m sure consumers will be relieved that they will be able to use those Christmas gifts after the initial disappointment. This situation has


raised the issue about companies


entering


administration and the acceptance of gift vouchers. Whilst it is important that


administrators can do their job, it is important to remember that consumers need to be protected.


In January, I spoke in the House of Commons on behalf of the Shadow Business team in raising the issue of blacklisting. Blacklisting is a stark reminder


created to compile the blacklist – over the prominent Quartermile development in the city. This is very concerning. Whilst it has not been


confirmed that Edinburgh construction workers were refused work because of this, it does not take away from the severity of the fact that the firm ran names against the list. With other such prominent projects ongoing, such as the new Forth Crossing, it is vital that we ensure that blacklisting is not occurring on these sites. I think Ministers in


that


workplace practices which should have no place in a modern society continue to scar our national decency. There have been


recent revelations that construction firm Sir Robert McAlpine consulted with the Consulting Association – an organisation that was


Holyrood and Westminster need to do all they can to ensure justice is sought and make sure that this never happens again by instigating an investigation urgently and that is why I have written to the First Minister and pressed the government in today's debate.


Click on the button


below to view my contribution.


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