The majority of Wilko stores are set to close after efforts to save the business fell through, the union GMB has claimed.

GMB, which represents more than 4,000 of Wilko’s staff, said on Wednesday evening it had been told there was no longer any prospect of saving the business, which collapsed earlier this month.

The union said it expected redundancies to begin this week for staff across Wilko’s 400 stores and at its call centres. The company has around 12,000 staff in the UK.

GMB national secretary Andy Prendergast said: “GMB Union will continue to support members through this process and will fight to ensure members are consulted as per the law and that you receive every penny you are entitled to.

“We will fight to ensure Wilko bosses are held accountable for the simple reason our members deserve so much better.”

The is still the prospect that a buyer could emerge for some individual stores or groups of stores.

Wilko fell into administration earlier this month after struggling with its debts. 

PwC was tasked with finding a buyer for some or all of the company to save jobs. B&M, Poundland, The Range and Home Bargains were all said to have been interested in at least some or part of the business.

However, GMB’s announcement effectively ends any hope of a rescue.

Wilko struggled during the pandemic, suffering from major supply issues that left it struggling to get hold of enough stock.

The administration put an end to 90 years of family ownership. The chain was founded by James Kemsey Wilkinson in Leicester in the 1930.

The Telegraph has approached PwC for comment.