UK government will support those affected by Arcadia collapse - business minister

"I know this will be a worrying time for employees and their families, especially in the run-up to Christmas," Sharma tweeted. "The Govt stands ready to support those affected during this difficult period," he added.

Sharma said that within three months, the administrators had a duty to file a report on director conduct with The Insolvency Service, which will then determine whether a full investigation is required.

(Reporting by James Davey; Editing by Leslie Adler)