Read the public statement issued by the French NCP concluding the specific instance - 31 December 2001 | en français

In April 2001, the French NCP received a request for review from several trade unions alleging that Marks & Spencer had breached the employment and industrial relations provisions of the Guidelines with the abrupt announcement of the closure of their stores in France.

The French NCP consulted with all parties involved and concluded that, while Marks & Spencer had officially declared their intention to consult with employees who would lose their jobs following the company's restructuring, this consultation could have been better prepared and organised in order serve the employees and conform to the Guidelines. The French NCP addressed a letter to Marks & Spencer stating that their methods did not conform to the Guidelines and issued a public statement in December 2001 concluding the specific instance. During parallel legal proceedings, the French courts ordered Marks & Spencer to suspend the implementation of its closure plans and carry out due consultation and information processes.