The majority of Wilko stores are to close within weeks after a purchase of the discount retailer fell through.
In a meeting with administrators today the GMB Union was informed there is no longer any prospect that the majority of the business will be saved.
This means redundancies for staff in store and at call centres will begin during the coming week..
Some stores may be bought, either individually or as part of larger packages, but significant job losses are now expected.
Andy Prendergast, GMB National Secretary, said:
“GMB Union will continue to support our members through this process and will fight to ensure they are consulted as per the law and receive every penny they are entitled to.
“We will fight to ensure people are held accountable for this situation for the simple reason our members deserve so much better.
“GMB will not forget the incompetence that has led to this collapse and will we not forget the dividends paid to the millionaires who gambled workers jobs on their whims. “
