Maplin head office staff axed by administrators

PwC, which was drafted in as administrator last week after Maplin hit the buffers, said yesterday that it has had to make 63 redundancies at the retailer’s head offices in London and Rotherham.

Maplin, which plunged into administration last week, has not so far attracted a buyer, PwC said. The administrator said it continues “to review the position of Maplin stores”.

PwC partner and joint administrator Toby Underwood said: “It is with real regret that we have made this decision. We are grateful for the support of the employees during this difficult period and we will make every effort to help the affected staff, working with the Maplin HR team over the coming days.

“The company is continuing to trade but due to a lack of interest we may be required to initiate a controlled closure programme.

“We still believe there is strong value in the company and we remain focused on doing all we can to preserve the business while we continue trying to achieve a sale.”

All the affected Maplin staff – 55 in London and eight in Rotherham – have been informed of their redundancy and will be paid up to and including their last day of employment.

Altogether, Maplin employs 2,335 people. The retailer, which last year generated sales of £235.8m was hit by poor trading, the devaluation of sterling and the withdrawal of suppliers’ credit insurance.