The anti-poverty charity Trussell will transfer its charity retail operations, including staff, to the employment charity Shaw Trust next month, it announced today.

Trussell, which shortened its name from The Trussell Trust last month, will hand over all nine of its charity shops in Dorset and Wiltshire, its warehouse and existing retail staff to Shaw Trust on 1 November, adding to the employment charity’s existing network of 23 charity shops.

As part of the transfer, 24 employees from Trussell Retail Limited – Trussell’s retail trading arm – will be transferred to Shaw Trust. A large majority of them are part-time staff.

The shops will close from 10 October and will reopen on 15 November, to allow Shaw Trust to implement its systems, induct team members and change in-store branding.

The anti-poverty charity said the transfer would not result in any redundancies or changes in day-to-day operations, adding that it was “committed to minimising any disruption”.

Trussell said that it had decided to focus its investment into its food banks and work towards ending hunger, adding that the charity felt this was “preventing the charity shops from fulfilling their potential”.

The charity said that Shaw Trust is “committed to charity retail as part of their strategy, and are aligned with Trussell’s vision and work to support people facing hardship”.

Emma Revie, chief executive of Trussell, said: “For nearly 20 years, Trussell Retail has helped generate vital funds and it’s been an honour working alongside so many inspiring and passionate people who are dedicated to supporting their local community and giving back.”

She said that, as the need for food banks has “drastically increased” in recent years, the charity has had to develop and respond. 

“While this need has pushed us to evolve, we are still deeply connected to Wiltshire and our hometown of Sailsbury, working together with Salisbury Foodbank and with our head office there.

“However, we must steward our donations carefully into activities that most closely align with our mission of ending hunger and we are unable to divert further donations into Trussell Retail to strengthen its operations and ensure it thrives.”

Revie said that while the charity’s financial position remains strong, its vision of a UK without the need for food banks “is ambitious and requires our full attention”.

She said: “We’ve been committed to finding an organisation that aligns with our values, while working in a similar charitable sector, positively supporting local communities and protecting employment rights.

“By transferring the charity shops to an organisation that is set up and dedicated to investing in charity retail, we truly believe Trussell Retail operations will be stronger and more sustainable for the future and we are excited to work together towards our mission.”

Renata Graver, director of charity retail shops at Shaw Trust, said: “We’re thrilled that Trussell has chosen to transfer their charity shops to us. They’re an important part of the community and as part of our national retail network we’ll invest in their future.  

“Trussell has a clear vision for a future without the need for food banks and building decent, secure and rewarding work is a key part of the solution. Focusing on our strengths means that together we are stronger and can provide support to people facing hardship.