Sweeping redundancies were announced at Solus this afternoon, less than a week after the garden wholesaler went into administration.
Of the company's 250 employees, 91 working at head office and in operations and the distribution centres located across the country have now lost their jobs.

Solus' troubles mounted with a drop in turnover due to adverse trading conditions and after Scotts Miracle-Gro - Solus' major supplier - terminated its distribution agreement with the company.

Rob Hunt and Tony Barrell of PwC were appointed administrators on Thursday.

In a statement released today, PwC said: "The business' cost structure was no longer in line with the reduced sales volume, and significant losses were being incurred.

"PwC can confirm that having reviewed the ongoing requirements of the business, regrettably there have been 91 job losses.

"The administrators are working closely with employees affected by this decision to ensure they receive the support they need during this difficult time to assist with their claims for redundancy and other compensatory payments.

"All other staff remaining at the company have been briefed, with the administrators working closely with them over the coming weeks as the business continues to operate as normal."

Of the 91 job losses, 24 are at Hunnington, 32 at Droitwich, 16 at West Bromwich, two at Tipton, 13 at Norwich and four at Edinburgh.

"Making redundancies is always difficult," commented Mr Barrell. "However the scale of ongoing losses made this necessary if the business is to continue trading.

"We would like to thank all employees for their support to date. The last few days have been very challenging for them."

He added: "It is encouraging that customers are being supportive, and we have had expressions of interest from a range of parties. Discussions with interested parties are still at an early stage but we remain hopeful of securing a sale."