As its American parent files for bankruptcy, there are concerns that the UK arm of budget jewellery and accessories retailer Claire’s may struggle to find a buyer, raising the prospect of further job losses in a British retail sector already under pressure.

A report by Sky News said the news organisation “has learnt that advisers to Claire's Inc… are not expected to land a solvent bid for its UK chain”. The British operation trades from around 300 British stores and the Europe-wide workforce (including the UK) numbers around 5,000.

Claire’s UK isn’t expected to file for administration imminently, although it could happen this month, according to Sky’s sources.

That prospect comes as potential bidders appear to have got cold feet “as the scale of the chain's challenges has become clear

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