Poundworld stores in East Anglia are among another 80 branches set to close, putting a total of 1,024 jobs at risk.

Among the latest cull are stores in Norwich, which employs 10 people, King's Lynn, which has 26 staff, and Chelmsford, which has 16 staff.

It follows news earlier this week that the discount retailer would close 25 branches – including one in Ipswich – with the loss of 242 jobs.

Administrators at Deloitte said the latest closures would not impact the potential sale of the remaining business and that discussions with interested parties were ongoing.

Joint administrator Clare Boardman said: 'Whilst we remain hopeful that a sale for part, or parts, of the business can still happen, it has not been possible to sell the business as a whole.

'We would like to thank all the employees for their continued support and commitment during this difficult time.

'We are keeping staff appraised of developments as they happen.'