Employees of the Balham branch of Marks and Spencer could be out of a job from next week despite the company promising to deploy staff to its surrounding branches.

M&S chiefs confirmed the store in Balham High Road would close on March 19.

However, its 25 staff have learned the high street chain has had an employment freeze since it announced the closure of 27 stores in January, and no voluntary redundancies have been offered – meaning no jobs are available.

Maria Ludkin of worker’s union GMB said: “M&S has gone against the good practice code by not offering voluntary redundancies, even though staff from other branches have said they would take it.

“The consultation period of 90 days has also had zero impact.

"For them to say they have followed procedures is a complete lie.”

Balham and Tooting MP Sadiq Khan said: “I’m extremely angry M&S have broken their word about looking after local staff.

"I have written to the chairman of M&S demanding an explanation and asking for alternatives before considering compulsory redundancies.”

An M&S spokesman said: “We do not have a company policy of voluntary redundancies and have made every effort to offer alternative options for redeployment wherever possible.”

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