Administrators for the Wilko chain have denied they plan to start closing stores next week after the GMB union said most would close - but warned closures appeared likely at some point in the future.
The union, which represents more than 3,000 of Wilko’s 12,500 staff, said it was told the discount chain would be announcing redundancies in stores and call centres as a result of closures next week.
However, administrators at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) said the claims were speculation – with the GMB then issuing a statement that closures would come “within weeks” rather than “within a week”.
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The retailer called in administrators two weeks ago, putting the future of its 400 shops in doubt after failing to bring in fresh funding.
PwC was tasked with bringing in offers from interested parties but the GMB said on Wednesday it had been told “there is no longer any prospect that the majority of the business will be saved”.
Rivals Poundland, B&M, The Range and Home Bargains were reportedly among the firms interested in parts of the Wilko business, which is based in Worksop.
In a statement, the Wilko joint administrators said: “In the immediate term, all stores remain open, continue to trade and staff continue to be paid.
“Contrary to speculation, there are currently no plans to close any stores next week.”
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But the administrators admitted “redundancies and store closures in the future” were “likely” and said employees representatives had been informed.
The statement from Jane Steer, Zelf Hussain and Edward Williams of PwC, joint administrators of Wilkinson Hardware Stores Ltd, Wilko Ltd and Wilko.com Ltd, continued: “Since our appointment as administrators of Wilko, we have held extensive discussions with parties who expressed an interest in buying all or part of the business.
“While discussions continue with those interested in buying parts of the business, it’s clear that the nature of this interest is not focused on the whole group.
“Sadly, it is therefore likely that there will be redundancies and store closures in the future, and it has today been necessary to update employee representatives.
“We know this will further add to the uncertainty felt by workers.
“We will be supporting staff through this deeply unsettling time, working closely with the Government, JobCentre plus, unions and large employers to maximise possibilities for a rapid return to work for employees in the event of redundancies.”
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.
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“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 we will not forget the dividends paid to the millionaires who gambled your jobs on their whims.”
Labour said losing Wilko stores would be “a massive impact” on high streets across the country.
Shadow business secretary Jonathan Reynolds paid tribute to Wilko staff and added: “Sadly, shuttered-up shops and struggling high streets have become the norm after 13 years of Conservative economic failure.
“Labour has a plan for our high streets. We will tackle the things holding firms back by reforming business rates, cracking down on anti-social behaviour and putting an end to empty premises to bring shoppers back to their high street.”