Last updated 20:22, Thursday, 09 October 2008

STAFF at Workington’s MFI store face uncertainty over their jobs.

The Derwent Howe branch, along with stores at Carlisle and Barrow, has been placed in administration after being left out of a rescue deal which saved 106 of the company’s UK outlets.

All three Cumbrian outlets are still trading, despite the firm’s national call centre telling the public they were closed.

The stores, along with 84 others, are likely to close unless a deal can be struck for a three-month ‘rent holiday’ with owners of the buildings.

Staff say they are turning up to work not knowing whether the stores will remain open.

Administrators Kroll were talking to MFI managers this week to answer concerns from staff but refused to say when, or if, their stores will close.