DIXONS Carphone will offer to hire the 800 people who work in Phones 4U concessions at its Currys and PC World stores.

Phones 4U set up the shops-within-a-shop at Dixons-owned Currys and PC World before the merger between Dixons and Carphone Warehouse was announced.

The 160 concessions were due to end next year as Carphone Warehouse and Phones 4U were competitors.

The deal saves 48 jobs in the North-East and North Yorkshire at branches in Newcastle, Hartlepool, Stockton, Darlington, Metrocentre, Gateshead, North Shields, York, and Harrogate.

The Phones 4U business went into administration on Monday.

The move put 5,596 jobs and more than 700 outlets at risk, and came after Vodafone, EE and O2 did not renew their contracts with the company.

Rob Hunt joint administrator and PwC partner said: "We can confirm that Dixons Carphone have agreed, with our blessing, to offer roles to all people in the Phones 4U concessions located in Dixons Carphone outlets. This agreement relates solely to staff and does not include the sale of any stock, chattels or the Phones 4U brand name.

"We're delighted to reach this agreement, thereby securing continued employment for more than 800 people. We would like to wish the transferring staff all the best in their new roles."

"We continue to engage with other parties regarding their interest in parts of the business."