Redditch Jessops to close

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REDDITCH staff are among more than 1,300 workers set to lose their jobs after the collapse of photo giant Jessops.

Administrators took control of the chain on Wednesday (January 9) but decided today the company could no longer continue trading.

In a statement released by PwC, joint administrator Rob Hunt said they had reviewed the position of the business and held extensive discussions with suppliers in an attempt to keep the stores open, including the branch in the Kingfisher Shopping Centre.

"It is apparent that we cannot continue to trade and as a result we have had to make the difficult decision to begin the closure of all 187 Jessops stores at the close of business today.

"Regrettably, this will result in around 1,370 job losses across the stores with further job losses likely, in due course, at the head office in Leicester.

"The stock will be collected over the coming days and returned to a central warehouse. It will be returned to suppliers if they are entitled to it. As a consequence of the closure, Jessops is no longer able to accept returned product from customers.

"This is an extremely sad day for Jessops and its employees. We are very grateful for the support we have received since our appointment and we will continue to ensure that employees are paid as they assist us during the closure."

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