12 further Life & Style shops shut

The 12 shops closed by RSM Tenon are in Ashington, Bangor, Belfast, Fort William, Gravesend, Great Yarmouth, Johnstone, Leven, Livingstone, Orpington, Reading and Watford.

Since collapsing into administration on June 10, 34 shops have now closed, with nearly 440 staff redundant.

Union Usdaw said the administrators have confirmed they remain in talks with at least one party interested in buying the remainder of the business as a going concern.

Earlier this month Usdaw wrote to the government and administrators to raise concerns about the prospect of former Life & Style owner Elaine McPherson buying the company out of administration for an unprecedented third time. The union asked the administrators to ensure that any prospective purchaser demonstrate an ability to run the business effectively and show it can provide a long term sustainable future for the staff.

Usdaw national officer John Gorle said: “We have been urging the administrators to keep all stores open while a buyer is sought but once again stores have been closed and more loyal staff made redundant with barely any notice and absolutely no consultation with their union.”