'Deflated' Wilko staff claim they were NOT told they could lose their jobs on Monday after learning today bid to save the stricken retailer had collapsed

By RORY TINGLE, HOME AFFAIRS CORRESPONDENT and JOHN JAMES, SENIOR REPORTER

Published: | Updated:

'Deflated' Wilko staff claim they were not told they could lose their jobs on Monday after learning today that a bid to save the stricken retailer had collapsed. 

Administrators PwC announced that hundreds of workers will be made redundant from the start of next week after the final bid to buy the entirety of the business failed. 

This morning, one member of staff at a Wilko on Kensington High Street told MailOnline that 'nobody' had told him about the development. 

Another said: 'The whole thing has been really deflating to be honest and we haven't had good communication.' 

There was a ray of light today after it emerged Doug Putman, the owner of HMV and Toys R Us, is edging closer to a deal to save 300 Wilko stores and as many as 9,000 jobs in a ray of hope for the stricken retailer. 

PwC are now consulting with Wilko's major creditors on the terms of an agreement with Mr Putnam, Sky News reported. 'It's still in the balance but it is beginning to look more positive that a deal can get done,' a source said. 

PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) have been trying to find a buyer for Wilko (pictured is the branch in Kensington today)

PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) have been trying to find a buyer for Wilko (pictured is the branch in Kensington today) 

Empty shelves at the branch of the stricken retailer in Kensington this afternoon

Empty shelves at the branch of the stricken retailer in Kensington this afternoon 

The store has entered an administration sale and is carrying signs warning: 'Everything must go'

The store has entered an administration sale and is carrying signs warning: 'Everything must go'

PwC are now consulting with Wilko's major creditors on the terms of an agreement with Canadian billionaire Doug Putman (pictured)

PwC are now consulting with Wilko's major creditors on the terms of an agreement with Canadian billionaire Doug Putman (pictured) 

READ MORE: Wilko stores lie empty as fight to save the embattled High Street retailer enters 11th hour

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PwC announced the first redundancies today following reports that a £90million offer from private equity firm M2 Capital had failed.

The Anglo-Canadian firm had claimed it was raising money from US property tycoon Michael Flacks to rescue the retailer. 

But Mr Flacks told The Sun he was not interested in buying the embattled retailer. 

A source told the newspaper that M2 Capital's bid had been too speculative to be taken seriously. 

PwC today said the first 283 jobs being made redundant would mainly be in support centre operations. 

For warehouse staff, redundancies are due to start next week, the GMB trade union said.

GMB has said it remains hopeful that there is a 'viable buyer on the table' which could protect staff in stores and online, but that it must 'continue to prepare for the worst'. 

Today, shoppers in Kensington told of their sadness at the store's plight.  

Nami, 23, said: 'There isn't another homeware shop around here that anyone can use. Every high street is the same. 

'People's only option is to shop online. It's not fair on the people losing their jobs.'

Chloe Manon, 24, said: 'I've shopped at Wilko for years. I knew it was potentially closing, but for some staff to just be told with three days notice they're losing their jobs on Monday is pretty poor.

'I've just moved house, Wilko is great for those little home bits. I have no idea where I'll go now. '

GMB has said it remains hopeful that there is a 'viable buyer on the table' which could protect staff in stores

GMB has said it remains hopeful that there is a 'viable buyer on the table' which could protect staff in stores

Today, shoppers in Kensington told of their sadness at the store's plight

Today, shoppers in Kensington told of their sadness at the store's plight

Empty shelves at the Wilko store on High Street Kensington

Empty shelves at the Wilko store on High Street Kensington 

Pensioner Margaret Tully said: 'I come here most weeks. I buy all my shopping on the high street as I don't trust online. 

'I don't know how to set up an Amazon account. It's really sad, nothing is open anymore.

'If I want to get the same things I could get in Wilko I suppose I'd have to go to Robert Dyas, but there's none near me.'

Another shopper said Wilko had been a 'lifeline' during lockdown and he felt 'sad' to see how it was faring. 

Jane Steer, joint administrator at PwC, said today: 'It's with great sadness that we announce these redundancies. 

'We're incredibly grateful to these team members for the support and dedication they've shown to the company, particularly over the last few very difficult weeks.

'We will continue to do all that we can to support staff through this period of difficult upheaval, and to maximise their opportunities for a rapid return to work.

'Our priority is to ensure that all team members affected by redundancy are assisted in processing their claims with immediate effect.

'We will be circulating correspondence to all staff as soon as possible which will outline the support available to complete redundancy payment forms.'

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