BHS closure dates in Sheffield, Rotherham, Doncaster and Chesterfield announced

Meanwhile, shops at Meadowhall, Doncaster and Chesterfield are among a total of 113 set to close by August 20, barring any last minute rescue attempt.

Administrators Duff and Phelps have informed employees that closure sales start today.

Nationally, 163 stores will close and 8,000 staff are facing redundancy, with a further 3,000 contractors’ jobs at risk, and the name will disappear from the High Street. The buildings are being sold piecemeal. The online shop and 70 overseas stores were sold to Middle Eastern retailer Al Mana Group.

Dave Gill, of shopworkers’ union Usdaw said: “This is terrible news. Our hope is that other retailers, including Sir Phillip Green’s Arcadia group, will offer employment to these experienced, dedicated and loyal staff who suddenly find themselves unemployed.

“We remain concerned that there is still no news from Sir Phillip since he promised to ‘sort’ the pension scheme and we wait to hear details of what he proposes. In the meantime we are providing the support, advice and representation our members require at this difficult time.”