UK department store chain Debenhams is on the brink of collapse after bosses confirmed it has filed a notice of intent to appoint administrators.
The move will affect around 22,000 workers. "Department store group Debenhams today has filed a Notice of Intent to appoint an administrator in the UK," the company said in a statement. "This move will protect Debenhams from the threat of legal action that could have the effect of pushing the business into liquidation while its 142 UK stores remain closed in line with the government's current advice regarding the Covid-19 pandemic," the company said. "The group is making preparations to resume trading its stores once government restrictions are lifted," it added.