About 20 jobs could be lost in Watford as Mothercare enters administration - and that is before taking into account the possible job losses at its headquarters.

The children's retailer says it expects jobs will be lost at its Watford Arches store after it announced it would go into administration. The Watford store is set to close, along with 78 nationally.

But Mothercare could not confirm how many jobs would be lost at its head office in Cherry Tree Road, Watford - although it said in November 2018 it would axe 200 jobs there.

Chris Ostrowski, Labour's parliamentary candidate said: "Mothercare has had a close bond and association with Watford for over 50 years, we all know of a family who will be affected by today's sad news.

“Not only will another retail giant we all know and love be lost from the high street, but over 2,000 workers are likely to lose their jobs at Christmas time."

Watford Observer:

Chris Ostrowski outside Mothercare. Photo: Chris Ostrowski

Mothercare announced in July the Watford branch would close after it could not agree a new level of rent with its landlord. But it re-opened a week later after an agreement was made.

Speaking about Mothercare entering administration, chairman Clive Whiley said: “It is with deep regret and sadness that we have been unable to avoid the administration of Mothercare UK and Mothercare Business Services, and we fully understand the significant impact on those UK colleagues and business partners who are affected.

“However, the Board concluded that the administration processes serve the wider interests of ensuring a sustainable future for the Company, including the wider Group’s global colleagues, its pension fund, lenders and other stakeholders.”

The retailer, which has around 500 full-time staff and 2,000 part-time employees, is set to follow the likes of Bonmarche, Jack Wills and Karen Millen, which have gone bust in recent months.

The global Mothercare group said it has undertaken a review of the UK business and found that it is "not capable of returning to a level of structural profitability".

Caroline Siarkiewicz, Acting Chief Executive at the Money and Pensions Service, said: “This is an incredibly difficult time for Mothercare’s employees, who will be worrying about their pay, pensions and financial security.

“Pensions are protected but staff are bound to have questions about what happens next.”