DEPARTMENT store BHS could file for administration today, putting 11,000 jobs across the country at risk.

The chain, which has five branches in Essex, is expected to give a statement "sometime today" about its future, a spokesman has indicated.

A call to bring in the administrators would end 88 years of trading by British Home Stores, one of the UK's most recognised town centre brands.

It would also be the biggest retail failure since Woolworths folded in 2008 with the loss of almost 30,000 jobs.

Sports Direct has been in talks to buy some of BHS's 164 stores but it is understood any company would only buy the shops if it did not have to take on its £571 million pension deficit, according to the BBC.

Entrepreneur Sir Philip Green, who owns Topshop, sold BHS last year for £1.

A statement was posted on the BHS website on Friday which said: "BHS would like to advise that despite some press speculation it is not in, nor has applied to go into administration.

"The website is operating and taking orders as usual."

BHS has the following stores in Essex:

  • Town Square, Basildon
  • High Street, Southend
  • Lakeside, West Thurrock
  • Meadows Shopping Centre, Chelmsford
  • Harvey Centre, Harlow