Woman made redundant with one day’s notice after working at Clarks for 68 years

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Jill Cornick worked in a Clarks store in Dorset for 68 years (Image: BNPS)

A woman who worked at Clarks for almost seven decades has been made redundant from the store she dedicated her life to – after just a week’s notice.

Shoe store worker Jill Cornick started working at the store in Blandford, Dorset, in 1956, aged just 14.

She even postponed her honeymoon in 1969 to attend a training course.

Jill worked at the same Main Street store every day for 68 years.

When her son Jason was born in 1975, she put him in a playpen and raised him next to her in the workshop.

A pensioner who had worked at the same Clarks shoe store for 68 years was given the boot with just two days' notice
Jill Cornick models a pair of Clarks at a 1970s fashion show at Blandford Forum, Dorset (Image: BNPS)
BNPS.co.uk (01202) 558833. Picture: BNPS Pictured: Jill Cornick has survived the tough Covid years A pensioner who worked at the same Clarks shoe store for 68 years has been made redundant with just two days' notice. Dedicated Jill Cornick started working at the shop in Blandford, Dorset, in 1956, aged 14. She worked continuously for the British retailer for the next seven decades, even postponing her honeymoon to attend a training course. After her son was born, she put him in a playpen in the store so she could continue working.
Dedicated Jill Cornick started working at the store in Blandford, Dorset, in 1956 as a 14-year-old (Image: BNPS)

But this week their decades-long business came to an abrupt end when Clarks announced it would close the store with immediate effect.

On her last day of work, numerous customers stopped by to say goodbye and offer flowers and chocolates to thank her for her years of customer service.

‘Overwhelming’

Jill said: “Last Thursday we were all told we would be closing on Monday. It gave us all a bit of a shock.

“I started in 1956 and have been in the same business ever since. I felt comfortable and hoped I could make it a few more years before retiring. It’s a shame.

BNPS.co.uk (01202 558833) Picture: BNPS Pictured: Dedicated Jill Cornick started working at the store in Blandford, Dorset, in 1956 as a 14-year-old. A pensioner who has worked at the same Clarks shoe store for 68 years was fired with just two days' notice. Dedicated Jill Cornick started working at the shop in Blandford, Dorset, in 1956, aged 14. She worked continuously for the British retailer for the next seven decades, even postponing her honeymoon to attend a training course. After her son was born, she put him in a playpen in the store so she could continue working.
When Clarks decided to permanently close its Dorset store, Jill was given just two days’ notice (Image: BNPS)

“Monday was overwhelming, I had so many people bringing flowers and chocolates. I have helped so many clients over the years and some have been close to tears.

“In some cases, I have helped four generations of the same family determine the size of their shoes.

“I think now I’m going to rest and go to the beach more.” I’m not going to travel anywhere to work. I’m going to do charity work or something.

“I loved the job, it was my life.” I lived above the store for years and raised my son there. I’ll miss it, but I don’t want to start over again now.’

Jill’s first job at Clarks was cleaning nail-studded boots in 1956.

Over the course of her many years of work, she has held various positions, including managing director and master shoemaker.

Following the death of her husband David in 2016, Jill is now a widow. She said she has only taken a handful of sick days in her decades of work and was furloughed for three months in 2020 during the nationwide coronavirus lockdown.

Jill Cornick models a pair of Clarks at a fashion show in the 1970s
Jill postponed her honeymoon to attend a training course in 1969 and raised her son in a playpen at the store (Image: BNPS)
BNPS.co.uk (01202 558833) Picture: BNPS Pictured: Dedicated Jill Cornick started working at the store in Blandford, Dorset, in 1956 as a 14-year-old. A pensioner who has worked at the same Clarks shoe store for 68 years was fired with just two days' notice. Dedicated Jill Cornick started working at the shop in Blandford, Dorset, in 1956, aged 14. She worked continuously for the British retailer for the next seven decades, even postponing her honeymoon to attend a training course. After her son was born, she put him in a playpen in the store so she could continue working.
Jill, a pensioner and widow, was unceremoniously sacked after working at the same Clarks store for almost 70 years (Image: BNPS)

The 82-year-old says she has always had a good relationship with customers and has been “overwhelmed” by the supportive messages she has received from them.

Her favorite job was helping children get new shoes for school.

“I have had many, many highlights over the years, but my fondest memories are of the really good people I worked with,” she added.

A Clarks spokesperson said: “We sincerely thank all members of the Blandford Forum store team for their contribution and commitment to outstanding customer service – particularly Jill, whose remarkable and unparalleled 68 years of service and commitment to our customers is tremendous.”
is appreciated by everyone at Clarks.

“We wish Jill all the best.”

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