Maplin has made a further 66 redundancies at its head office as administrators confirmed that a buyer for the business has not been found.

The beleaguered electrical specialist’s latest round of job cuts takes the total number of redundancies since falling into administration last month to 129.

Joint administrator and PwC partner Toby Underwood said: “It is with real regret that we have made this decision.

“We are grateful for the support of the employees during this difficult period and we will make every effort to help the affected staff, working with the Maplin HR team over the coming days.”

PwC, which was drafted in as administrator for Maplin this month, has said that although “it has not been possible to secure a buyer for the business” it is still “open to interest from potential buyers”.

The retailer, which employs 2,500 people, tumbled into administration in February after grappling with poor trading, the devaluation of sterling and the withdrawal of suppliers’ credit insurance.

All affected staff – 57 in London and nine in Rotherham – have been informed of their redundancy and paid up to and including their last day of employment.

Retail Week understands that Halfords, Mountain Warehouse and Ryman are among the retailers leading the charge to snap up parts of Maplin’s store portfolio.