The administrator behind the failed music chain HMV is set to close a further 37 stores in the UK and axe 464 jobs. Deloitte said the stores would close over the next four to six weeks and would probably lead to all affected staff being made redundant, although it would try to relocate employees to other stores where possible.

Earlier this month it was announced that HMV’s 16 stores across Ireland were to close, with the loss of 300 jobs. All of the Irish stores were said to be loss-making.

The latest blow will leave about 116 stores in the HMV chain, after Deloitte said 66 stores would close earlier this month, affecting nearly 1,000 staff. Nick Edwards, joint administrator at Deloitte, said the decision was made to “enhance the prospects of the restructured business continuing as a going concern”. – (PA)