BRITISH Home Stores (BHS) is set to collapse into administration and make up to 11,000 people redundant according to shopworkers’ union Usdaw.

Usdaw told the Star yesterday it was “very concerned” and that management had refused to comment since Friday, when in a notice on its web site BHS denied applying for administration and confirming it was trading as usual.

Retail Acquisitions, which took over the department store chain in March 2015, said only that the £160 million needed to turn BHS’s fate around had not been raised in time.

“We are seeking urgent clarification from the company and urging them to change their attitude to trade unions and begin a dialogue with us at this difficult and worrying time for staff,” said Usdaw officer David Gill.

Sports Direct was said to have an interest in the company and its 164 stores, but it was expected that any buyer would refuse responsibility for BHS’s £571m pension deficit.

“We also urge the company to comply with the law, consult staff and Usdaw, as the union for BHS workers, on the future of the business,” said Mr Gill.

“I am writing to members working in BHS to reassure them that we will provide the support, advice and representation they require.”