Retail giant BHS has filed for administration putting almost 11,000 jobs at risk.

The retail firm has 16 stores across Scotland and employs around 800 people north of the border with 11,000 across the UK.

It is set to be biggest retail failure since Woolworths folded in 2008 with the loss of almost 30,000 jobs unless the retailer can secure a new buyer or rescue package.

Sports Direct has reportedly been in talks to buy some of BHS’s 164 stores but it is understood any company would only buy the shops if it did not have to take on its £571m pension deficit.

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A spokesman for BHS confirmed it has filed for administration on Monday following days of speculation about the future of one of Britain’s most recognised retailers.

It’s Scottish stores include: · Glasgow, St Enochs, Clydebank, EastKilbride, Hamilton, Kilmarnock, Falkirk, Stirling, Livingston, Ayr, Aberdeen, Dundee, Kirkcaldy, Leith, Edinburgh and Cameron Toll.

The store, which sells affordable clothing and quality home items, has struggled recently against online shopping and value fashion stores such as Primark.

Entrepreneur Sir Philip Green, who owns Topshop, sold BHS last year for £1.

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The fashion and homewares store was thrown a lifeline last month when creditors backed two company voluntary arrangements (CVA) designed to revive its ailing business by cutting costs and preventing widespread store closures.

The company said the immediate future of the firm was secured when 95% of creditors and landlords voted in favour of a CVA for BHS Limited, which represents 125 stores.

A second CVA for BHS Properties Limited – which oversees 23 BHS stores – was also voted through with a majority of 75%.