4,500 jobs at risk as high street names collapse

Some 4,500 jobs are at risk after both restaurant chain Carluccio’s and rent-to-own retailer BrightHouse filed for administration on Monday afternoon.

It is understood that BrightHouse has appointed Grant Thornton as administrator and an announcement will be made on Tuesday morning.

Administrator to Carluccio’s, FRP Advisory, is looking to use the Government’s furloughing scheme to protect the restaurant chain’s 2,000-strong workforce in the short-term, as it assesses options.

Geoff Rowley, joint administrator and partner at FRP, told Sky News: “We are operating in unprecedented times and the issues currently facing the hospitality sector following the onset of COVID-19 are well documented.

“In the absence of being able to continue to trade Carluccio’s, in the short term, we are urgently focused on the options available to preserve the future of the business and protect its employees.

“We welcome the latest update on the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and look forward to working with HMRC to access the support it provides for companies in administration and their employees.”