Fears for 1000's of retail jobs on the ailing chain Wilko deepened on Wednesday night when commerce union officers warned that almost all of its outlets have been more likely to shut inside days.

Sky News has learnt that directors at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) are in superior talks to carve up elements of the 400-strong chain, with Poundland's proprietor, Pepco Group, in discussions to amass roughly 100 shops.

B&M European Retail, the London-listed low cost chain, can be in negotiations to tackle between 40 and 50 outlets, in keeping with one insider.

Other worth retailers, together with TOFS, which is owned by the non-public fairness agency Duke Street, have lodged affords to amass smaller parcels comprising about ten websites.

Retail business sources stated an announcement was anticipated to be made by PwC on Thursday outlining the sale agreements with at the very least a few of the bidders.

Even if agreements with Pepco, B&M and TOFS are finalised, it's more likely to imply that greater than 200 Wilko shops will shut completely as quickly as subsequent week.

That may imply that nicely over 6,000 jobs, together with these of Wilko head workplace workers, could be misplaced, though the eventual determine could possibly be considerably larger than that.

In an announcement pre-empting an announcement from PwC, the GMB Union stated: "In a meeting with administrators today GMB Union was informed there is no longer any prospect that the majority of the business will be saved.

"This means redundancies for workers in retailer and at name centres will start throughout the coming week.

"Some stores may be bought, either individually or as part of larger packages, but significant job losses are now expected."

The union stated talks had been happening a few bigger deal for about half of Wilko's shops with an unnamed bidder, and Sky News understands that there stays a faint, however receding, chance that this might but be salvaged.

Andy Prendergast, GMB nationwide secretary, advised Wilko's 12,500-strong workforce that it will "continue to support members through this process and will fight to ensure members are consulted as per the law and that you receive every penny you are entitled to".

"We will fight to ensure Wilko bosses are held accountable for the simple reason our members deserve so much better.

"GMB won't overlook the incompetence that has led to this collapse and can we not overlook the dividends paid to the millionaires who gambled your jobs on their whims. "

Reacting to the GMB statement, Jonathan Reynolds, Labour's shadow business secretary, said:

"This is devastating news that can probably see shops shut throughout the nation. Their loss could have a large impression on their excessive streets and my ideas are with these Wilko workers and their households dealing with this dreadful news.

"Sadly, shuttered up shops and struggling high streets has become the norm after 13 years of Conservative economic failure.

"Labour has a plan for our excessive streets. We will sort out the issues holding companies again by reforming enterprise charges, cracking down on anti-social behaviour and placing an finish to empty premises to convey consumers again to their excessive road."

The family-owned chain, which was established by the Wilkinson family in 1930, had been working with PwC on a search for new investment for several months.

Shortly before it crashed into administration, Sky News revealed that Gordon Brothers, Alteri Investors and Opcapita were examining last-ditch proposals to invest in the business.

Like many high street retailers, it has been hit by inflationary pressures and supply chain challenges.

In recent months, it had been seeking to finalise a company voluntary arrangement (CVA) - a mechanism that would have triggered steep rent cuts at hundreds of stores but avoided any closures.

As recently as late last month, a spokesman for Wilko had described talk of administration as "unfounded".

PwC didn't reply to requests for remark, whereas a B&M spokesman declined to remark and a spokesman for Pepco stated he wouldn't reply except a question was emailed.