Jobs risk as Mike Ashley looks to close USC stores

RANGERS shareholder Mike Ashley is set to close a number of stores owned by Sports Direct under the USC branding, leaving hundreds of jobs at risk.

USC has been owned by Sports Direct since 2011. Picture: Sean Bell

The retail firm’s directors have filed a notice of intention to appoint receivers to USC, meaning stores could be shut next week.

Notice of intentions usually give companies ten days before it has to declare insolvency.

More than 1,000 staff are reportedly employed at 90 USC stores across the UK, with a third of the worst-performing outlets to close and the rest continuing to trade.

Insolvency specialists Duff and Phelps, along with Gallaghers law firm, are due to handle any wind down.

It has been reported that a number of staff at a USC warehouse in Ayrshire have been told they are being made redundant, although no reason was given.

Around 100 workers at the firm’s Dundonald warehouse were called to a meeting on Wednesday and told the news.

USC has been owned by Ashley’s Sports Direct company since 2011.