THE first wave of BHS stores will close at the end of this month, administrators announced today.

Shopworkers' trade union Usdaw said the first closures would impact about 600 staff members although confirmed the Banbury store was not among the first 20 to go.

Shops set to go this month include High Wycombe, South Shields and Slough and will cease trading on July 23, and wind down by July 25.

Shopworkers' trade union Usdaw National Officer Dave Gill said: "We are saddened to hear the administrators for BHS have announced they are closing 20 stores, which will impact around 600 staff.

"We hope 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 believe there is hope for the remaining stores with the administrators continuing to seek buyers and we are still waiting to hear the details of Sir Phillip’s offer to ‘sort’ the pension scheme.

"In the meantime we are providing the support, advice and representation our members require at this difficult time."