Ethel Austin to cut 1900 jobs

Around 1900 jobs will go at Merseyside discount clothes retailer Ethel Austin, after administrators announced the closure of more than a third of its stores and its distribution centre.

Administrator MCR said closing down sales will start immediately in 129 of the company's 270 stores.

MCR partner and joint administrator Philip Duffy said he does not anticipate any further closure announcements, although stores will be shut down as stock runs out.

MCR said it had received strong interest in the remainder of the Austin portfolio.