These 19 UK Companies Entered Administration in January — 5,443 Jobs May Be Next

Britain's workforce faces mounting uncertainty as a series of corporate failures threaten thousands of jobs across multiple sectors. In just 22 days, a total of 19 companies have entered administration, putting 5,443 positions at risk. These collapses span retail, construction, manufacturing, energy, and finance, reflecting the widespread financial distress gripping the economy.

The retail sector has been hardest hit, accounting for over half of all threatened roles. This wave of closures includes household names and regional chains, highlighting the fragility of high street businesses amid challenging economic conditions. Construction and manufacturing companies are also suffering, with over 1,000 jobs now under threat.

High Street Names Fall in Quick Succession

The year started with a double blow on 6 January when both Claire's and The Original Factory Shop (TOFS) filed for administration, according to ITV News. Together, these two chains put 2,575 workers at risk across nearly 300 stores. Both retailers had been acquired by Modella Capital within the previous year. The company cited a combination of very weak consumer confidence, highly adverse government fiscal policies, and ongoing cost inflation as key factors behind these failures.

Following shortly after, on 14 January, TGI Fridays announced it was entering administration. The administrators immediately closed 16 locations, resulting in 456 redundancies. However, a rescue deal preserved 33 other sites, safeguarding 1,384 jobs. The restaurant chain's collapse underscores the ongoing struggles faced by the hospitality industry, exacerbated by rising costs and reduced consumer spending.

In the footwear sector, Russell & Bromley entered administration on 21 January. The brand was acquired by Next, which purchased three flagship stores and the rights to the brand for £2.5 million ($3.41 million). Nevertheless, 33 other locations face closure, risking around 440 jobs. Similarly, beauty retailer Malin + Goetz shuttered all seven UK stores on the same day, leading to 72 redundancies.

The furniture group Moores Furniture suffered 124 job losses, while jeweller CW Sellors confirmed 36 layoffs. These closures reflect the broader pressures on the retail and luxury goods markets.

Construction Sector Under Pressure

The construction industry continues to feel the strain, especially following last year's collapse of ISG. On 16 January, Caldwell Construction, a groundworks specialist, entered administration, affecting over 400 workers, according to PKF Littlejohn Advisory. The metal recycling firm CF Booth also placed 200 jobs at risk on 22 January. On the same day, FK Group shut its construction divisions amid unpaid debts owed to ISG, affecting 40 staff.

Other construction-related closures include Thomas Storey Fabrications, which ceased trading on 14 January, making all 110 employees redundant, and Versarien plc, an advanced materials firm, which filed for administration on 6 January, impacting approximately 100 roles.

Energy and Finance Sectors Affected

The energy sector also faces turmoil, with Consumer Energy Solutions making 295 workers redundant when ceasing operations on 9 January. Broadband provider G.Network entered administration on 12 January, putting around 250 jobs at risk.

In finance, the situation is similarly precarious. Logic Investments Ltd entered Special Administration on 16 January, with client assets frozen, raising serious concerns about investor protection.

Complete List of January 2026 Administrations

The following companies entered administration in January 2026:

• Claire's – 6 Jan; 1,355 jobs; 154 stores at risk
• The Original Factory Shop – 6 Jan; 1,220 jobs; 140 stores at risk
• Versarien plc – 6 Jan; approx. 100 jobs
• P&B Metal Components Ltd – 6 Jan; 54 jobs
• Consumer Energy Solutions – 9 Jan; 295 jobs; ceased trading
• Planova Leeds Ltd – 12 Jan; 54 jobs
• G.Network – 12 Jan; approx. 250 jobs
• TGI Fridays – 14 Jan; 456 jobs; 16 restaurants closed
• Thomas Storey Fabrications Group – 14 Jan; 110 jobs; ceased trading
• CW Sellors (Jewellers) Ltd – 15 Jan; 36 jobs
• Cheshire East Scaffolding Ltd – 15 Jan; approx. 50 jobs
• Caldwell Construction – 16 Jan; 400 jobs
• Logic Investments Ltd – 16 Jan; jobs unconfirmed; assets frozen
• Moores Furniture Group – 19 Jan; 124 jobs lost; 336 rescued
• Russell & Bromley – 21 Jan; 440 jobs; 33 stores face closure
• Slingsby Gin – 21 Jan; 5 jobs; brand for sale
• Malin + Goetz (UK) – 21 Jan; 72 jobs; all stores closed
• FK Group – 22 Jan; 40 jobs
• CF Booth – 22 Jan; 200 jobs; rescue sought

This wave of failures follows a turbulent 2025, when 23,938 company became insolvent across England and Wales. The construction sector led the way with 3,950 failures, reflecting ongoing economic pressures and uncertainty.

As the economy continues to struggle with inflation, rising costs, and declining consumer confidence, experts warn that the risk of further corporate collapses remains high. The coming months will be critical in determining whether these trends will stabilise or accelerate, with thousands of workers anxiously awaiting the fallout of these closures.