Top News

Barely one month into 2026, the UK's jobs crisis has deepened, with thousands of workers put at risk or losing their jobs after 19 companies across numerous key sectors collapsed into administration. In the space of just 22 days, high street names, manufacturers and regional employers have all been hit, with a jaw-dropping 5,433 workers now facing redundancy or already having lost their jobs as businesses buckle under rising costs, inadequate consumer spending and mounting debt pressures.

The retail sector has been among the hardest hit, accounting for over half of the jobs at risk, while manufacturing and construction firms have also seen widespread job losses as orders dry up and projects stall. Retail has borne the brunt of the downturn, led by Claire's, which entered administration on January 6, putting 1,355 jobs at risk across 154 UK and Ireland stores. Discount chain The Original Factory Shop (TOFS) followed on the same day, placing 1,220 roles in jeopardy at 140 stores. Both companies were acquired by Modella Capital within the last year - TOFS in February and Claire's in September.

Other major retail casualties include TGI Fridays, where 456 jobs were lost after 16 restaurants closed immediately, Russell & Bromley, which has 440 staff at risk as 33 stores face closure despite a sale to Next, and Malin + Goetz (UK), which shut all seven UK stores and its London head office, affecting 72 workers.

Furniture retailer Moores Furniture Group also collapsed, resulting in 124 redundancies, although 336 jobs were rescued through a partial sale.

Manufacturing and construction have seen over 1,000 jobs threatened, highlighting the strain on this key British sector. Advanced materials firm Versarien plc entered administration, affecting around 100 jobs, while Thomas Storey Fabrications Group ceased trading entirely, making 110 staff redundant.

Construction-linked firms have also fallen, including Caldwell Construction, which put 400 jobs at risk, FK Group, which shut divisions immediately affecting 40 staff, and CF Booth, where 200 roles hang in the balance as administrators seek a rescue deal. Smaller firms such as P&B Metal Components Ltd and Cheshire East Scaffolding Ltd have also entered administration, compounding regional job losses.

Elsewhere, Consumer Energy Solutions (CES) ceased trading on January 9, making 295 workers redundant on the spot, while broadband provider G.Network entered administration with around 250 jobs affected as it restructures heavy infrastructure debts.

Jeweller CW Sellors confirmed 36 immediate redundancies and specialist spirit maker Slingsby Gin saw five jobs placed at risk as administrators moved to sell the brand.

In the financial sector, Logic Investments Ltd entered Special Administration, with job losses yet to be confirmed and client assets currently frozen. However, LinkedIn lists the company size as between 11 and 50 employees.