Commodity stocks propped up the FTSE 100 Index today despite a more difficult session for retailers in the wake of Woolworths’ closing-down sale.

Gains for commodity stocks put the London market in positive territory today despite pressure on retailers in the wake of Woolworths’ closing-down sale.

A closing down sale at ailing retailer Woolworths starts today, raising fears for around 25,000 jobs at the business.

Woolworths will launch a closing-down sale tomorrow after administrators said they had so far failed to find a buyer for the ailing retailer.

A former boss of struggling British retail chain Woolworths is bidding to take over more than half the group’s high street stores.