Comet administrators cut 62 jobs at delivery hub in Coatbridge

Administration: There had been no job losses to date at Comet stores.

More than 60 jobs at stricken electrical chain Comet were axed on Monday in the latest round of redundancies by the company's administrator.

Deloitte announced significant cuts across the chain's delivery network, with the Scottish hub at Coatbridge in North Lanarkshire losing 62 jobs.

Across Britain, 603 jobs are being cut from the company's home delivery network, which operates from 11 other hubs in England.

There have been no job losses to date at Comet stores, but Deloitte warned on Saturday that up to 41 stores may have to close before the end of this month.

The delivery network will continue to operate, with a significantly reduced workforce retained to complete deliveries and support the repairs operation.

Deloitte joint administrator Chris Farrington said discussions continued with parties interested in parts of the business but that it was necessary to begin a store closure programme and to scale back the company's support functions.

He added: "While we will continue to do all we can to preserve jobs, we are working hard to put in place comprehensive support to help those employees who are made redundant during the administration."

A closing down sale with increased discounts has begun in 27 stores and a further 14 stores may be identified for closure in the coming days unless a buyer can be found or new terms agreed with landlords.

In Scotland, closing down sales are under way at stores in Falkirk and on Glasgow's Great Western Road.

And deeper discounts will be applied to products across all Comet stores from Tuesday.

Comet's administration comes just months after it was taken over by investment firm OpCapita, which bought the chain for a nominal £2 in February.

Angry staff at the chain have called for ministers to investigate the retailer's collapse and the way its former private equity owners ran the company.

The locations of the other 14 stores which may have to close by the end of November have not yet been disclosed.

Related articles

People who read this story also read