By Noor Nanji
Business reporter, BBC News
The administrators of Wilko said jobs are set to go and stores will close as it struggles to find a buyer for the whole business.
However, PwC said parts of the business could still be bought.
Wilko announced earlier this month that it was going into administration, putting 12,500 jobs and its 400 stores at risk.
PwC was appointed as the administrator, tasked with trying to find a buyer for the business.
In a statement, PwC said: “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.”
PwC said it understood the news would “further add” to uncertainty felt by workers and said it would be supporting staff.
It said that in the immediate term, all stores remain open and continue to trade, and that staff would continue to be paid.
It also said there were “currently no plans to close any stores next week”.
Earlier the union representing workers at Wilko said the majority of stores are to close ‘in a week’ after a purchase fell through.
Andy Prendergast, GMB National Secretary, said the union would fight to ensure its members “receive every penny” they are entitled to.
“We will fight to ensure Wilko bosses are held accountable for the simple reason our members deserve so much better.”
