Ikea has now joined many other retailers in the US in furloughing its hourly employees. The Swedish home furnishings giant said that, despite its best efforts to keep its 18,000 US employees paid, it is furloughing its hourly employees along with members of its service office. Most of Ikea’s U.S. business has been closed since March 16.
“Our priority is and has always been to take care of our 18,000 co-workers — to secure their livelihoods and ensure that they continue to be supported with benefits for as long as possible — in a way that we believe is fair and equitable, we have carefully considered many different scenarios, including how we operate our business during this crisis and the financial support options from the government that are available to individuals and families who have been impacted,” – Javier Quiñones president of Ikea Retail US
