BrightHouse and Carluccio's fall into administration putting thousands of jobs at risk

The collapse of BrightHouse and Carluccio’s come as the coronavirus outbreak continues to hit the economy.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that the UK was going into lockdown last Monday, with all non-essential shops ordered to close.

BrightHouse confirmed on Monday that it was going into administration, putting more than 2,400 jobs at risk.

The rent-to-own operator has 240 stores including Arundel Street, Portsmouth.

Carluccio's also announced that it had collapsed into administration casting a shadow over the future of its 71 UK restaurants and 2,000 employees.

The dining chain, which was founded by Antonio Carluccio in 1991, confirmed it has hired advisory firm FRP to oversee its administration.

Carluccio’s has a restaurant in Gunwharf Quays.

Geoff Rowley, joint administrator and partner at FRP, said: ‘We are operating in unprecedented times and the issues currently facing the hospitality sector following the onset of Covid-19 are well documented.

‘In the absence of being able to continue to trade Carluccio's, in the short term, we are urgently focused on the options available to preserve the future of the business and protect its employees.

‘We welcome the latest update on the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and look forward to working with HMRC to access the support it provides for companies in administration and their employees.

Asda denies claims that families with children will be banned from its stores

‘As this fast-moving situation progresses we will remain in regular communication with all employees and key stakeholders, and will provide a further update in due course.’

The business's Ireland operation and its franchise business in the Middle East is unaffected by the administration, FRP said.