Discount department store chain T J Hughes yesterday filed its intention to appoint an administrator.

The Liverpool-based firm, which has 57 department stores and employs around 4,000 people, was bought by private equity group Endless in March but is said to have suffered a 19 per cent drop in like-for-like sales since then.

It is reported to need around £30 million to make it through to autumn.

Accountancy firm Ernst & Young is said to be in line to take control of the company.