Wilko plunges into administration as dozens of jobs in Ayr and Irvine stores placed at risk

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Dozens of retail jobs have been placed at risk across two Ayrshire stores with the news that Wilko has been plunged into administration.

The troubled homeware and household goods chain, which was found in 1930, currently operates more than 400 stores across the UK and employs around 12,000 workers.

Its stores in Ayr and Irvine are among its 10 Scottish outlets at risk of closure.Making the decision to enter administration today, the firm has appointed PwC to oversee the administration process after it failed to secure a rescue deal at last minute.Wilko Chief Executive Mark Jackson said the firm had "a significant level of interest" but was "left with no choice but to take this unfortunate action" after being unable to close a deal within time.In a letter, Mr Jackson said: “Over the past six months Wilko has been very open that we’ve been considering options to accelerate a turnaround plan given that we needed to make significant changes to the way we operate to restore confidence and stabilise our business."We left no stone unturned when it came to preserving this incredible business but must concede that with regret, we’ve no choice but to take the difficult decision to enter into administration."We’ve all fought hard to keep this incredible business intact but must concede that time has run out and now, we must do what’s best to preserve as many jobs as possible, for as long as is possible, by working with our appointed administrators.”The retailer has temporarily suspended all of its online deliveries, with shoppers unable to purchase any items online.

However, its click-and-collect service has been left open. Read next: Don't miss the latest Ayrshire headlines – sign up to our free daily newsletter