WORKERS at West Fife's McColl's stores look set to keep their jobs after Morrisons completed a deal to buy the chain.

The future of the convenience stores fell into doubt last Thursday when the retailer announced it had entered into administration, placing 16,000 jobs across the UK at risk.

However, a statement from administrators PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PwC) on Monday confirmed the sale of the business and assets of the group to Alliance Property Holdings Limited, part of the Morrisons Group.

The deal transfers all 16,000 staff, 1,100 shops across the UK and also includes Morrisons agreeing to rescue the Group's two pension schemes, which have more than 2,000 members.

Rob Lewis, joint administrator and partner, PwC, said the completion of the transaction provided "much-needed certainty" to McColl’s 16,000 staff after a period of understandable concern.

"As well as saving thousands of jobs, this deal secures a platform for the trustees of the Group’s pension schemes to enter into arrangements which will protect the pensions entitlements of so many people. All in all, a really positive outcome," he said.

“Morrisons Wholesale Supply Agreement will continue in place after the transaction, minimising disruption to customers and employees as all stores will continue to trade. We wish Morrisons well with integrating McColls into their business.”

Rachael Wilkinson, joint administrator and director at PwC, added: “Having successfully secured this deal, our role will now prioritise continuity of data and key systems alongside liaising with landlords and other key creditors.

“The transaction also includes an obligation on Alliance Property Holdings to rescue the company’s pension schemes, with Wm Morrison Supermarkets Limited acting as guarantor going forward.”

The deal, which secures the future of McColl's workers, has been welcomed by unions.

Usdaw national officer Joanne McGuinness said they now hoped to develop representation of the workers involved.

"It is great news that Morrisons has been successful in their bid to buy McColl’s out of administration and it will be a huge relief for the staff," she said. "We are now seeking urgent discussions with Morrisons to help secure the future for the staff.

“McColl’s was a non-unionised business, which meant their staff had no real voice in the future of the business. Usdaw has a long-standing and productive relationship with Morrisons and we will be looking to extend trade union representation to all staff in McColl’s."