The majority of Wilko stores are set to close in the next week after a purchase of the retailer fell through, a union has claimed.
In a meeting with administrators today the GMB union said they were informed there is no longer any prospect that the majority of the business will be saved.
It means redundancies for staff in store and at call centres will begin during the coming week.
Some stores may be bought, either individually or as part of larger packages, but significant job losses are now expected.
Andy Prendergast, GMB National Secretary, said: “GMB Union will continue to support members through this process and will fight to ensure members are consulted as per the law and that you receive every penny you are entitled to.
“We will fight to ensure Wilko bosses are held accountable for the simple reason our members deserve so much better.
“GMB will not forget the incompetence that has led to this collapse and will we not forget the dividends paid to the millionaires who gambled your jobs on their whims.”
