EIGHT people will lose their jobs when Poundworld's Birkenhead branch closes its doors next week.

Administrators revealed that they will close a further 80 Poundworld stores over the weekend of 20 to 22 July after Deloitte, which is overseeing the process, has struggled to sell the business.

Poundworld, which was formerly owned by private equity firm TPG Capital, had been operating with 335 stores and around 5,100 staff before it went bust last month.

Other stores confirmed to close include Liverpool and Chester and overall it is believed 1,024 jobs will be lost as a result.

The news follows announcements made earlier this month over closing 25 stores, all will stop trading after July 15.

Joint administrator Clare Boardman said: “Whilst we remain hopeful that a sale for part, or parts, of the business can still happen, it has not been possible to sell the business as a whole.

“We would like to thank all the employees for their continued support and commitment during this difficult time.

“We are keeping staff appraised of developments as they happen."