Redundancies have today (August 31) been announced as Wilko continues to look for a buyer.

After it was announced last week that many of the chain's 400 branches could close "within weeks" administrators at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) have now confirmed that some staff will be laid off.

PwC said 269 members of staff at the support and distribution centres in Worksop and Newport will be let go from close of business on Monday (September 4).

More redundancies will be announced next week but exact numbers are to be confirmed.

While the company said stores across the UK - including on Station Road in Kenilworth - remain open, as yet there has been no announcement on a long term plan.

PwC said "multiple varied bids" and expressions of interest have been put forward, and it remains in discussion with potential buyers.

However, a statement released today admitted: "It is now clear that no viable offer structure put forward includes the group in its entirety."

No "viable" offers have been received for Kin Limited (Kin), a subsidiary of Wilkinson Hardware Stores Ltd (WHSL). So the company has been closed with all 14 employees being made redundant.

Jane Steer, joint administrator, said: "It's with great sadness that we announce these redundancies.

"We're incredibly grateful to these team members for the support and dedication they've shown to the company, particularly over the last few very difficult weeks.  

"We will continue to do all that we can to support staff through this period of difficult upheaval, and to maximise their opportunities for a rapid return to work.

"Our priority is to ensure that all team members affected by redundancy are assisted in processing their claims with immediate effect. We will be circulating correspondence to all staff as soon as possible which will outline the support available to complete redundancy payment forms.

"Advice and assistance will also be available from Job Centre Plus and other agencies." 

Last week Andy Prendergast, GMB National Secretary, said: "GMB Union will continue to support our members through this process and will fight to ensure they are consulted as per the law and receive every penny they are entitled to.

"We will fight to ensure people are held accountable for this situation 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 workers jobs on their whims. "