DFS Galleria asks workers to choose redundancy as Covid 19 hits

A luxury retail brand is asking Auckland workers to take voluntary redundancy, cut their hours or take unpaid leave after sales have dived in the wake of the Covid-19 outbreak.

DFS Galleria in Auckland's CBD sells brands like Burberry, Versace, Prada and Tom Ford to name a few, and it relies heavily on the tourist market.

Kate Davis from First Union says a hundred workers are now facing an uncertain future and she expects the problem to spread to other retail stores.

In a statement DFS group says: "In view of the impact that Covid-19 is having on our communities and people, DFS is introducing voluntary flexible work arrangements to our employees. These include Voluntary Unpaid Leave and Voluntary Part-Time Working in some of our stores and offices. It's intended to support our employees during slower business conditions and an uncertain environment. We look forward to welcoming travelers in all our locations when the situation improves."

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