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Concern over the future of BHS stores

Speculation is mounting that administrators will be appointed to BHS, bringing to an end its 88 years of trading
Speculation is mounting that administrators will be appointed to BHS, bringing to an end its 88 years of trading Speculation is mounting that administrators will be appointed to BHS, bringing to an end its 88 years of trading

HUNDREDS of jobs are at risk at four BHS stores in Northern Ireland amid speculation the high street retailer is set to collapse.

Administrators are expected to be appointed to the company today, bringing to an end its 88 years of trading.

BHS has four stores in Northern Ireland - in Belfast city centre, Abbeycentre, Bow Street Mall in Lisburn and Holywood Exchange.

On Friday, BHS denied speculation it was on the brink of falling into administration.

However, there are fears the company - owned by Retail Acquisitions - could file for administration as soon as today after it failed to secure a financial rescue package.

Across the UK around 11,000 job losses could be lost if a buyer is not found by the company which has been fighting to stay open amid mounting £1.3 billion debts.

Talks are believed to have been continuing over the weekend with Sports Direct to buy some of its 164 stores.

However, it is understood the buyer did not want to take on the existing £571m pension deficit of BHS.

Shopworkers' trade union Usdaw said on Sunday it was "seeking urgent clarification from the company".

It also called on BHS to begin a dialogue "at this difficult and worrying time for staff".

The loss-making chain store was sold by Topshop owner Sir Philip Green last year and was bought by a little-known collection of financiers, lawyers and accountants with no retail experience.

It was rescued from the brink last month when creditors voted to accept a cut in the rent bill for half of BHS's 164 stores.

David Gill from Usdaw said: "We are very concerned about speculation in the media that BHS is on the verge of going into administration.

"We are seeking urgent clarification from the company and urging them to change their attitude to trade unions and begin a dialogue with us at this difficult and worrying time for staff.

"We also urge the company to comply with the law, consult staff and Usdaw as the union for BHS workers on the future of the business. I am writing to members working in BHS to reassure them that we will provide the support, advice and representation they require."