Adams closures kill off 850 jobs

Published: Monday, 5 January 2009, 12:49PM

Around 850 jobs have been lost after administrators announced the closure of 111 stores in the childrenswear chain Adams.

The remaining 160 Adams stores will remain open while administrators PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) tries to find a buyer.

PwC was called in on New Year's Eve and said job losses were "inevitable". But it added that prospective buyers had shown interest in the Adams business and brand.

Adams continues to employ 2,350 staff, and PwC said it was "hopeful" of being able to sell some parts of the business.

Rob Hunt, joint administrator and partner at PwC, said: "In light of the current downturn being experienced on the high street, it is with regret that it has been necessary to effect the closure of 111 stores throughout the UK as of today.

"Unfortunately, this will inevitably lead to a number of job losses and 850 people across the company will be made redundant with immediate effect. My team and I will be doing all we can to help these employees at this difficult time."

Earlier, Manchester-based perfume retailer Passion for Perfume also joined the list of high street casualties in administration after cutting 194 jobs.

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