The GMB said it had been assured by administrators PwC about the move during a meeting on Tuesday morning.

The discount homeware goods company collapsed earlier this month after struggling from inflationary pressures, competition from rivals and supply chain challenges.

But the chain's 400 branches have remained open since then in the hope a buyer can be found - with a deadline set for last Friday.

It comes after the union warned it expected the majority of Wilko branches to close within weeks after it was told there was no prospect that the majority of the business would be saved.

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However the GMB said on Tuesday that PwC had received "multiple bids" for Wilko and that any potential job losses have been put on hold while they are considered.

Andy Prendergast, the union's national secretary, added: "Whilst this is a positive development, Wilko is not out of the woods by any means and this is a time of incredible stress and worry for the 12,500 workers who face losing their jobs."

A number of last-minute bids to buy parts of the business have been proposed, including from HMV owner Doug Putman, B&M European Retail and Poundland's owner Pepco Group.

PwC has been approached for comment.