Wilko stores could close "within weeks" as a buyer is yet to be found for the chain.

Administrators at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) - appointed earlier this month - say some parts of the group could still be bought, but the "majority of stores" are expected to close.

Wilko has around 400 branches nationwide - including one in Kenilworth - and currently employs around 12,500 staff.

Yesterday (23 August) the GMB Union, which represents thousands of Wilko employees, released a statement saying the majority of Wilko stores are set to close within weeks after a purchase of the discount retailer fell through. 

Meanwhile a statement from PwC said it is “likely that there will be redundancies and store closures in the future”.

"In the immediate term, all stores remain open, continue to trade and staff continue to be paid," the firm added.

"Contrary to speculation, there are currently no plans to close any stores next week."

However, exact details on which stores would be lost and when are yet to be announced.

Both the GMB and PwC said they would be supporting members/staff through this process. 

Andy Prendergast, the GMB National Secretary, said: "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. "