Christmas gloom in store for Comet staff

STAFF at Royton’s Comet store have been dealt a pre–Christmas blow

Administrators Deloitte have said 125 stores will close, while the remaining 70 will stay open only until all remaining stock is sold.

The outlet at Elk Mill Retail Park is not on the latest list of stores closing before Monday - but hopes of a buyer stepping-in remain low.

Deloitte confirmed it was still in talks with a small number of interested buyers, but said it was necessary to begin shutting shops in the absence of a firm offer for the business.

Deloitte also plans to close the company’s distribution centre in Harlow, Essex, tomorrow and will cut back office functions at Rickmansworth, Hull and Clevedon.

The announcement comes after hopes were raised of a rescue deal when it emerged Southampton–based entrepreneur Clive Coombes was considering making a bid.

Chris Farrington, joint administrator at Deloitte, said store closures were likely to start next month, but the process would be delayed if acceptable offers were received for stores.

Around 5,000 employees work across the 195 Comet stores, with more than 3,000 jobs expected to be affected by the decision to shut 125 shops.

Comet employees are to be paid salary, accrued holiday pay, overtime and bonuses for the period covered by the administration.

Deloitte added that it has contacted more than 35 prospective employers who are keen to offer roles to former Comet employees.