Department store Beales in Peterborough will close tomorrow as coronavirus scare batters retailers

Administrators say the health scare has had a huge impact on the retail scene and trading at Beales cannot be supported.

Most staff will be made redundant with salaries paid up to the date of their redundancy.

The store in Westgate plus 20 others across the UK will shut at close of business tomorrow.

Joint administrators of the Beales department store chain, Will Wright and Steve Absolom from KPMG, said: "While this is two weeks ahead of the administrators’ original schedule, the impact of Covid-19 on the retail environment has meant that trading can no longer be supported.

"Staff will continue to work until close of business on 21st March to help box-up residual stock and assist with various other closure issues.

"Regrettably, the majority of employees will then be made redundant, with all salaries paid up to and including the date of their redundancy.

Mr Wright added: "Whilst it is regrettable that we have had to take this decision, especially given the fantastic support that the staff have provided to the business and the administrators since our appointment, the impact of these unprecedented circumstances has left us with no alternative option.

“We will be working with employees to ensure they have all the necessary information to submit claims to the Redundancy Payments Service, together with details of who to contact for any help and support they may require.”

Two of the 23 Beales stores have already closed – Hexham on 24th February and Great Yarmouth on 15th March.