LONDON, Dec 17: Woolworths, a century-old British high street institution, will close all its stores at the start of next month, affecting the jobs of some 27,000 staff, the retailer’s administrators said on Wednesday.The company, which filed for administration at the end of November, launched a closing down sale last week as administrators struggled to find buyers.

Some 200 of its 807 stores will close by Dec 27, followed by 200 more on Dec 30, 200 on January 2 and the remaining shops on January 5, said accountancy firm Deloitte, which is tasked with winding up Woolworths’ affairs.

The move will affect 22,000 permanent staff and 5,000 temporary workers, although some will be kept on for a short period, Deloitte said.—AFP