CREWE'S hard-hit High Street could face another jobs blow after fashion chains Peacocks and Jaeger announced they were entering administration

Staff at the Market Centre branch of Peacocks face an uncertain future after the news which has put more than 4,700 jobs across both brands owned by the EWM Group at risk.

The parent group, controlled by retail billionaire Philip Day, says the latest lockdown had hampered efforts to find a buyer.

There have been no announcements on redundancies or store closures yet and EWM says it is still talking to potential buyers.

"In recent weeks we have had constructive discussions with a number of potential buyers for Peacocks and Jaeger," EWM Group said in a statement.

"But the continuing deterioration of the retail sector due to the impact of the pandemic and second lockdown have made this process longer and more complex."

It's not all gloom for retail workers though and staff at Crewe's two Home Bargains stores are to be handed an extra two week's salary this month.

Home Bargains announced in April that staff who were forced to self-isolate would receive up to a two weeks' pay. Now the discount giant is bringing other employees in line with that offer regardless of whether they have had to stay at home.