The future of up to 30 stores and 720 jobs was put at risk today after the UK side of retail brand Habitat went into administration.

Woolworths could be broken up as early as this week as around a dozen serious bidders circle the high street chain, Sunday newspapers in England said today.

All 800 stores of British retailer Woolworths will open for business today despite the company calling in administrators.

Shares in British high street retailer Woolworths were suspended today as talks continued over plans to rescue the business.