DOZENS of Cheshire jobs have been lost after fashion chain Jane Norman went into administration last weekend.
Staff arrived for work at the Chester branch as usual on Saturday, but were telephoned and told to close the shop.
Administrators have since confirmed the branches on Eastgate Street and in Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet are among 33 stores in the UK and Ireland which will not reopen.
Laura McLoughlin, of Saltney, worked as a supervisor at the Eastgate Street shop. She said staff were due to be paid at the end of the month.
“The administrators are going to send us a form and we have got to send it off and see what money they will send us back.
“But some people have got to pay bills tomorrow.”
She added: “There are people who worked here for four or five years. We didn’t even get a warning.”
Thirty-three further stores have been sold to The Edinburgh Woollen Mill and the knitwear firm is in discussions over the possible purchase of a further 28 branches.
Jane Norman concessions in Debenhams department stores, including Browns of Chester, will continue to trade until a sale can be secured.
Alastair Beveridge, a partner in administrators Zolfo Cooper said: “We are pleased to have ensured the survival of such a familiar presence on the High Street, while securing the jobs of at least 396 Jane Norman employees.
“Unfortunately the sale has resulted in job losses, which we appreciate is difficult news for those involved. We would like to thank them for their professionalism and support during what has been an uncertain time.”
No one at Jane Norman was available for comment.
