JOBS have been lost in Bolton and across the country as electrical retail chain Powerhouse went into administration.

A total of 23 staff were handed redundancy forms when they arrived for work yesterday at the Middlebrook Retail Park and found the store shut.

The shutters were pulled down and the store, with stock inside, was in darkness.

The move was repeated across the UK, as 650 staff at 50 Powerhouse stores were told their jobs no longer existed.

John Hannett, general secretary of Usdaw, which represents workers at the chain, said: "Our members in Powerhouse have worked miracles in keeping the company afloat in the intensely competitive electrical goods sector.

"They turned up for work to be told the company has gone into administration and some have already been sent home which is a devastating blow for them.

"Our members have shown incredible loyalty to Powerhouse in often difficult times so they deserved better treatment than this.

"But Usdaw will work closely with the administrators to make sure our members get the payouts they are entitled to at what is a very worrying time for them."

Powerhouse also operates Go Switch On in Blackburn.

The stores are owned by the New Zealand-based PRG Group, which said earlier this year that Powerhouse was facing tough market conditions, with sales down, which was expected to result in a moderate loss for the past financial year.

PRG bought Powerhouse from administrators for £15.5 million in 2003, but closed 31 stores in January this year after disastrous Christmas which saw year-on-year sales fall by 39 per cent.

In February, Powerhouse chief executive said under-performing stores would close this year.

Administrators from BDO Stoy Hayward said yesterday that, following a review of the business, it had been decided to close all trading stores with immediate effect.

Administrator Martha Thompson said: "Internet retailers and increased competition on the High Street, coupled with an ongoing deterioration in the UK electrical retail market, has led to Powerhouse being unable to sustain its position in the market."

PRG chairman Jock Irvine said: "We are extremely disappointed we have had to take this decision but we believe it is the most responsible course of action."

Customers waiting for goods from Powerhouse should call on 0845 603 4037.