Poundland owner in crunch talks as retailer's collapse looms

Asked what his message for Poundland's owner was, Burnham said Gordon Brothers should "focus on the people in your employment" and "come up with a practical solution that saves jobs and saves those stores".

"There is a solution to be found here, sit down with us and let's find it," he added.

The meeting comes after a major Poundland supplier has said it will lose millions of pounds if the retailer goes bust.

Adam Turner, sales director at Bradford-based Highcrest Retail Brands, said Poundland was one of its biggest customers and its collapse would cost it "a few million" in lost sales.