SHOP workers’ union Usdaw urged the government to show a “clear and coherent” industrial strategy to tackle the continuing high-street crisis after department store chain Beales collapsed into administration today.

Administrators stepped in to see if the 139-year-old Bournemouth-based retailer can be saved, but about 1,050 jobs at 23 stores remain at risk.

The company’s website was taken down immediately but the stores will continue to trade while a buyer is sought.