LITTLEWOODS' High Street outlet in Oldham is set to be converted into a Primark store next year.

Fifty staff faced an uncertain future when it was announced in July that the budget clothing giant had bought Littlewood's 120 stores in a £409 million deal.

Primark's parent company, Associated British Foods (ABF) announced plans to sell-off about 60 per cent of its newly acquired retail selling space and offered no guarantees about specific stores at the time.

But it has now been announced that the Oldham store - which has been open since 1963 - is one of 40 stores that will become new Primark outlets.

Following negotiations, retail union Usdaw welcomed news of Primark's £500 million national investment.

John Gorle, Usdaw national officer, said: "When the deal was announced Primark made a clear commitment to take on as many of the former Littlewoods staff as possible and we will make sure they keep to their word.

"Primark is a company that is becoming a key player on the high street and we are pleased our members in these 40 stores are joining a company that seems to have a bright future with sales rising by 9 per cent this year."