Woolworths’ administrator Deloitte has made 450 head office and support staff at the retailer redundant.

Job Centre staff will be attending Woolworths’ London and Castleton offices to provide support and advice to staff who have been made redundant.

Neville Kahn, joint administrator and reorganisation services partner at Deloitte, said: “Unfortunately, it has been necessary to make some 450 employees redundant out of a total workforce of over 25,000.

"These roles are in head office and support functions in London and Castleton. There have been no redundancies in the high street stores and distribution centres. Our expectation remains that stores will remain open beyond Christmas and that all staff in the stores will be paid in full.”

There have been no redundancies at entertainment wholesaler EUK, which is also in administration. Deloitte said it is still seeking a buyer for Woolworths as a going concern, with discussions being held with a number of interested parties.

Kahn added: “We have today launched Woolworths’ Biggest Ever Sale, which is complementary to and will not adversely impact upon our efforts to sell the business.”

Woolworths and EUK were placed into administration on 27 November. Yesterday, Dragons’ Den star Theo Paphitis pulled out of the running to buy the retail business.

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