High street fashion chain 'collapses' after closing 35 stores across Britain - staff told wages won't be paid

Staff at Select have reportedly been informed they will neither receive redundancy pay nor any unpaid wages following the mid-March closures.

The struggling brand had been facing financial difficulties before drafting in advisers last week to oversee the business's liquidation.

Select Fashion previously operated 105 stores across the UK before recent troubles led to the closure of a third of its outlets.

Workers at the now-closed shops have been told that outstanding wages for work completed before the closures will not be paid.

These employees have now been advised to apply for the Government's Redundancy Payment Service (RPS).

Meanwhile, staff at the remaining stores have also reportedly been warned of delayed payments.

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In an email seen by The Sun, Select Fashion told remaining employees: "Please be assured that your wages will be processed and paid out next week.

"We are doing everything we can to resolve this matter as swiftly as possible and appreciate your understanding during this difficult time."

Despite the closures, 48 Select Fashion stores are set to survive the liquidation and continue to trade under a deal with Essence Fashion Limited, and will continue operating under the Select brand name.

The liquidation was officially confirmed following a creditors' vote at a meeting last week.

Select was founded by Turkish entrepreneur Cafer Mahiroglu in the early 1980s.

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At its peak, the fashion retailer operated 105 stores across the UK high streets.

Select Fashion's liquidation comes after attempts to save the business ultimately failed.

The company had previously undergone a Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA) in 2018 in an effort to reduce costs.

The collapse marks another casualty for the UK high street, which has seen numerous high-profile retailers, including Debenhams, Dixons, Comet, Wilko and more all struggle or close entirely in recent years.