The new year has brought a stark economic reality to the United Kingdom, with a significant wave of business collapses already threatening thousands of livelihoods. Within the first four weeks of 2026, a total of nineteen companies have entered administration, collectively putting an estimated 5,443 jobs across the nation at immediate risk of redundancy.
A Cross-Sector Crisis
The crisis is not confined to a single industry, impacting a broad spectrum of the UK economy. High street retail has been particularly hard hit, with major names like Claire's and The Original Factory Shop among those affected. The fallout extends far beyond retail, however, with significant job losses also reported in the construction sector, financial services, hospitality, and manufacturing.
Major Retail Casualties
The collapse of Claire's UK and Ireland operations represents one of the largest single blows, jeopardising 1,355 jobs and placing 154 stores in peril. Similarly, The Original Factory Shop (TOFS) has entered administration, threatening 1,220 positions across its network of 140 discount department stores. These failures signal continued profound challenges for the traditional retail landscape.
Construction and Services Under Pressure
The construction industry is also feeling severe strain. Companies like Caldwell Construction, with 400 jobs at risk, and FK Group, which shut down divisions immediately, highlight the sector's fragility. In financial services, Logic Investments Ltd has entered Special Administration, freezing client assets, while infrastructure provider G.Network is attempting to restructure with 250 jobs in the balance.
Full List of Companies in Administration
The complete roster of businesses that have collapsed into administration in early 2026 includes:
- Claire’s (UK & Ireland operations) - 1,355 jobs at risk across 154 stores.
- The Original Factory Shop (TOFS) - 1,220 jobs threatened at 140 stores.
- Versarien plc - 100 jobs; shares suspended and patent portfolio for sale.
- P&B Metal Components Ltd - 54 jobs; buyer sought for Sheffield site.
- Consumer Energy Solutions (CES) - 295 jobs; ceased trading immediately.
- Planova Leeds Ltd - 54 jobs; shop-fitting specialist collapsed.
- G.Network - 250 jobs; continuing to trade while restructuring debt.
- TGI Fridays - 456 jobs; 16 restaurants closed immediately.
- Thomas Storey Fabrications Group - 110 jobs; ceased trading.
- CW Sellors (Jewellers) Ltd - 36 immediate redundancies; 50 staff retained during buyer search.
- Cheshire East Scaffolding Ltd - 50 jobs in administration.
- Caldwell Construction - 400 jobs in administration.
- Logic Investments Ltd - Jobs unconfirmed; entered Special Administration.
- Moores Furniture Group - 124 redundancies; 336 jobs rescued in partial sale.
- Russell & Bromley - 440 jobs; brand sold to Next, but 33 stores face closure.
- Slingsby Gin (Spirit of Harrogate Ltd) - 5 jobs; brand and assets up for sale.
- Malin + Goetz (UK) - 72 jobs; all 7 UK stores and London head office closed.
- FK Group (Facade & Construction) - 40 jobs; divisions shut down immediately.
- CF Booth - 200 jobs; rescue deal sought for workforce.
Immediate Impact and Broader Implications
The human cost of these administrations is immediate and severe. Companies like Consumer Energy Solutions and Thomas Storey Fabrications ceased trading instantly, making all staff redundant. Others, such as TGI Fridays, have confirmed large-scale redundancies following immediate restaurant closures. This cluster of failures so early in the year raises serious concerns about the underlying health of multiple UK business sectors and the potential for further economic distress in the months ahead.
