Thousands set to lose jobs as Wilkos deal collapses

Thousands more employees of the high street retailer Wilkos are set to lose their jobs after a deal to save the store collapsed.

In a statement this evening, administrators at PwC have said a further 9,100 employees will be made redundant by early October after failing to reach a deal to save any significant part of the retailer’s operations.

It comes after staff at 124 stores were on Monday informed that those sites will close on or before Thursday September 21. The collapse means the company's two warehouses and support centre will also be forced to close.

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Zelf Hussain, joint administrator at PwC, said: "Despite the significant and intensive efforts of both ourselves and Putman Investments - the remaining party interested in buying a significant part of the business as a going concern - a transaction could not be progressed due to the inability to reduce central infrastructure costs quickly enough to make a deal commercially viable.

"The dedication shown by all team members during this period has been hugely humbling and we are grateful for the patience and understanding they have shown.

"As with those who have already been given notice of redundancy, we will guide and support those team members impacted over the coming weeks through the redundancy claims process.

"We also continue to collaborate closely with relevant agencies and engage with any potential employers to help facilitate a quick return into new employment for those impacted.

"We continue to work with potential buyers for different parts of the business and are confident of completing transactions in the coming days."

Most warehouse staff are set to be made