Poundworld cuts 98 head office staff in Normanton

The discount retailer collapsed into administration last week

Poundworld has axed 98 jobs from its head office as administrators struggle to find a buyer for the discount retailer.

The job cuts at the office in Normanton, West Yorkshire, come after the business collapsed last week, putting a total of 5,100 jobs at risk.

The chain, owned by private equity firm TPG Capital, started with a market stall in Wakefield set up in 1974.

Its administrator Deloitte has now been forced to make 98 staff redundant.

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The budget chain's 335 stores are still open and continue to receive stock.

The job cuts are at Poundworld's head office in Normanton

Deloitte asked for bids for Poundworld to be submitted by last Friday, but it is thought a buyer for the whole business may not materialise.

It said the firm was hit by falling footfall, rising costs and weak consumer confidence, when it announced the administration.

TPG said putting the business into administration was a "difficult decision", and that the retailer was affected by a decline in the UK retail sector.

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Several retailers have collapsed into administration this year, with both Maplin and Toys R Us disappearing from the UK.

House of Fraser has also detailed plans to shut 31 stores, affecting around 6,000 jobs.

New Look, Mothercare, Carpetright and a string of restaurant brands have also been shutting stores in a bid to stay afloat.