Data from the Centre for Retail Research revealed that 9,949 jobs have been shed following store closures at Debenhams, Arcadia, Mothercare, Game and HMV since the turn of the year.

More than 1,200 more jobs were left hanging in the balance when department store chain Beales and toy specialist Hawkin’s Bazaar both slumped into administration last week.

And big-four grocers Asda, Sainsbury’s and Morrisons have all lifted the lid on restructuring plans over the last few weeks that are likely to result in hundreds more job losses.