THE future of the 42 remaining staff at the Southampton branch of Allders looks increasingly precarious after it was revealed that the potential purchasers have no interest in taking them on.

Allders' administrators Kroll refused to disclose the identity of the potential buyer but confirmed that if the deal went ahead it would "not involve any staff transfer".

Nine staff at the Winchester Road store have already lost their jobs as part of a nationwide cull of 800 positions following the 45-strong chain's collapse.

The 143-year-old business went into administration after falling victim to tough trading conditions and the failure of its owners to find a buyer.

A spokesman for Kroll said there was still time for new bidders to emerge and described the situation as "fluid".

Retail rivals Debenhams, BHS and Primark have already snapped up 24 of the stores between them, 11 are unwanted and are likely to close, while the Southampton branch is one of ten still under negotiation for sale.

A Kroll spokesman said: "No contracts have been signed and the situation is still relatively fluid, so we are not definitely moving down one road or another. But, we are in discussions with parties over a deal that will not involve staff transfer.

"No deals have been signed so it is not a question of jobs are definitely going to go yet. It could be resolved relatively quickly or it could be quite protracted."

He added the buyer was in talks only over the Southampton store and that staff had been informed of the situation.