Sole trader runs two disparate businesses: a puzzle!

oldwiring

In one he employs women in shop work, in the other men in transport. Neither business has any form of interaction with the other.

He's decided to close the shop due to falling takings and pay off the staff. At the same time the transport business is doing well and new qualified staff (drivers with HGV licences) are being taken on.

In such a situation, as above, is he obliged to offer to offer alternative employment to the redundant persons, even if he knows they would not meet the required criteria for employment in the transport business?

getmore4less

They are not really suitable alternatives unless people are qualified hgv.

any admin or other jobs that might be suitable.

Tenyearstogo

Are you really a sole trader?

wildincrawley

Anyone employed for less than 2 years, he can just give them notice without giving a reason.

More than 2 years, if their actual job role ceases to exist, he can make them redundant. He has no obligation to offer them other employment, although many big companies do so out of "goodwill".

Have the staff thought about making him an offer to club together and run the shop themselves?