STAFF at the Wilko store in Greenock face an uncertain future after the high street chain plunged into administration.

The move was announced this morning after attempts to find a buyer or extra investment failed.

The administration means that 12,000 jobs across the country are at risk, including all the workers in the Oak Mall branch.

The homeware store has been popular with local shoppers since it took over the former Woolworths premises in the shopping centre.

Wilko has around 400 shops across the UK.

The company is family-owned and has been trading since 1930 but has been struggling in recent times in the face of tough competition from rivals.

It has already suspended home deliveries, but the fate of the stores and staff is as yet unknown.

In an open letter, chief executive Mark Jackson said: “Over the past six months Wilko has been very open that we’ve been considering options to accelerate a turnaround plan given that we needed to make significant changes to the way we operate to restore confidence and stabilise our business.

“We left no stone unturned when it came to preserving this incredible business but must concede that with regret, we’ve no choice but to take the difficult decision to enter into administration.

“We’ve all fought hard to keep this incredible business intact but must concede that time has run out and now we must do what’s best to preserve as many jobs as possible, for as long as is possible, by working with our appointed administrators.”