NH to assist laid off supermarket workers

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) -- New Hampshire Gov. Maggie Hassan has directed the state's Rapid Response Team to provide assistance to over 1,100 workers losing their jobs with the closing of six Stop & Shop supermarket stores and six Shaw's stores last week.

The team, led by the Department of Resources and Economic Development, coordinates with companies and will hold in-person sessions to connect affected workers with services and job opportunities.

"New Hampshire is an all-hands-on-deck state, we pull together and pitch in to help those in need, and I will work to ensure that state government does its part," Hassan said in a statement Tuesday.

Quincy, Mass. based Stop & Shop Supermarket LLC said Tuesday its six stores and three gas stations in New Hampshire will close by Sept. 21. It said they have not achieved performance goals. The closings in Bedford, Hudson, Exeter, Milford, and Manchester will affect about 670 employees.

Last week, Shaw's said it would close six of its 34 New Hampshire stores over the next month, affecting 450 employees.

The owners of Shaw's and Star Market had said while the individual stores have not been profitable for some time, the closings are not a result of the overhaul health of the two chains and that there are no plans to close additional stores. The company said the affected employees would be offered jobs at other Shaw's locations when possible.

Cox Media Group