John Gorle - Usdaw National Officer says: “This is devastating news for the 800 staff affected. It was clearly the beginning of the end when a small number of landlords managed to narrowly block the CVA.

"I am seeking an urgent meeting with the Co-op about possible redeployment opportunities and we will explore all avenues to help members seek alternative employment. In the meantime our team of Usdaw reps and officials are providing the support, advice and representation our members need.”

Notes for editors:

Usdaw (Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers) is the UK's fourth biggest and the fastest growing trade union with over 440,000 members. Membership has increased by more than 17% in the last five years and by nearly a third in the last decade. Most Usdaw members work in the retail sector, but the Union also has many members in transport, distribution, food manufacturing, chemicals and other trades.

Store locations: Aberystwyth, Basingstoke, Birmingham, Blackburn, Buckley, Cardigan, Christchurch, Crewkerne, Dagenham, Erith, Gillingham, Greenwich - London, Helston, Littlehampton, Ludlow, Monmouth, Newport, Norwich, Nottingham, Paisley, Plumstead - London, Prestwick, Rochford, Shaftesbury, Sheffield, South Benfleet, Southall - London, St. Neots, Sydenham - London, Tiverton, Totnes, Walsall, Watton, Weymouth, Wirral, Wisbech.

For Usdaw press releases visit: http://www.usdaw.org.uk/news and you can follow us on Twitter @UsdawUnion