TJ Hughes jobs at risk as liquidators called in

Jobs at collapsed discount department store chain TJ Hughes were in jeopardy this afternoon as liquidators were brought in to start selling off stock.

Administrators at Ernst & Young have been trying to find a buyer for the business that employs 4,000 people since they were called in last month, but without success.

Today the accountants confirmed that Gordon Brothers, an international liquidation group already handling the closure of hundreds of Focus DIY stores, have been brought in to start selling the stock at branches of TJ Hughes.

If Ernst & Young is unsuccessful in finding a buyer, then Gordon Brothers' role may then extend to closing stores. Today an E&Y spokeswoman said the firm was continuing to search for someone to buy the business as a going concern.

At Walsall, TJ Hughes now occupies the former Woolworths building in Park Street, employing 42 people.

A further 87 work at the branch in Wolverhampton's Mander Centre. In all the Liverpool-based stores chain has 57 stores, including one at Kidderminster employing 38 people and one in Lichfield's Three Spires Shopping Centre with 86 staff.

The Walsall store remained open today but there was a note in the door informing customers administrators had been appointed on June 30.

The notice reassured customers: "This store continues to trade."

However, it also informed people that staff would not be taking any new home delivery orders. It also outlined the returns policy for items.

There was no information as to whether or not the branch may close in the future.