Staff at footwear retailer Barratts face uncertainty over their jobs as the company fell into administration for the third time in four years.

The company has not ruled out redundancies and closures at its 75 stores and 23 concessions across the UK, including shops in Bluewater and Maidstone.

Financial advisory and investment banking firm Duff & Phelps have been appointed administrators for the retailer, which employs 1,035 people.

The company’s poor fortunes have been blamed on difficult trading conditions.

Directors had been trying to explore refinancing options and additional equity for the business.

The decision to go into administration came the day after an offer from an investor to inject £5m into the company was withdrawn on November 7.

Duff & Phelps partner Philip Duffy said: "In view of the financial position of the company and withdrawal of that equity offer the directors were left with no choice but to appoint administrators."

The news came as Blockbuster officially appointed Moorfields Corporate Recovery as administrators on Monday.

The DVD and game rental chain has stores in Gravesend, Dover, Chatham, Folkestone and Margate.

It is the second time the company has been in administration this year, havinbg been rescued by restructuring business Gordon Brothers Europe.

Yet administrators remain positive a buyer can be found for the troubled firm.

Joint administrator Simon Thomas said: "This is obviously a difficult and upsetting time for everyone involved at Blockbuster, in particular employees who have endured a stressful period since January this year.

"We appreciate that staff and customers will want a speedy resolution, however, we must ask people to be patient over the coming weeks.

"We are pleased to say that there are parties who are interested in parts of the business. Our focus will be to secure a future for as much of the business as possible as well as trying to save jobs before Christmas.

"We remain committed to being open and transparent during the intervening weeks, and will ensure that all stakeholders, in particular employees, are kept regularly updated about developments."