ABOUT 2,200 staff at JJB Sports are being made redundant after the retailer collapsed into administration.
Rival firm Sports Direct, controlled by Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley,is buying up 20 of the sporting goods chain's shops. The deal will save around 550 jobs in the UK, including staff at JJB's warehouse. The remaining 133 JJB stores will be closed today.
A total of 167 employees have been retained to assist the administrators KPMG which has set up a 24 hour helpline for workers on 0845 3022538.
Richard Fleming, UK Head of Restructuring at KPMG, said: "Successive attempts to restructure the business, both financially and operationally, have not been enough to prevent the company falling into administration. Unfortunately a buyer could only be found for 20 stores on a going concern basis. All staff made redundant as a result of store closures have had their arrears of wages and holiday entitlements paid in full.
"Our team of employment specialists will be supporting staff on completing redundancy forms and putting them in touch with job seeker services.
"We will now be reviewing what options are available for the remainder of the business, such as selling leasehold interests."
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