SUPPORTERS of Warrens Bakery staff who have lost their jobs have set up a crowdfunding campaign to raise £2,500 to help give them a good Christmas.

It is understood many of the 30-plus staff at Warrens Bakery stores in four Wiltshire towns are still owed wages for the hours they worked before the stores closed on Thursday.

Four stores in Chippenham, Devizes, Melksham and Trowbridge closed, with all of their staff being made redundant.

So far, the franchisee operators, Julie and Trevor Kerby, have failed to comment.

A spokeswoman for the fundraising campaign said: “Unfortunately the loyal staff at Warrens Bakery in Chippenham have been informed that all of them have been made redundant on the 28th November.

“These members of staff have been given no notice and have been told they will not be paid the hours they are due. They have to claim this through the government which leaves them with no money for Christmas.

“Some have young children, rent, food and bills to pay for. They are in shock that they have been given no time to prepare for this.

“I have personal friends that are going to be affected by this and I want to help out in some way. I am fundraising on their behalf so we can help them out towards Christmas.

“Some staff may be able to gain employment immediately but it may be a month before they receive pay and for those claiming Universal Credit, they can expect a six-week wait before receiving payment.

“This is one of those time where we must come together as a community and help these people out. If all we raise is enough to buy their turkey I'll be happy. One less thing for them to worry about.”

The closures are part of a cull of 20 Warrens Bakery stores across the South West region.

The Cornwall company admitted on Wednesday that it had been forced into a restructure as a result of 'continued Brexit uncertainty'.

The store closures came a week after Warrens Bakery announced plans to close its factory in St Just, near Penzance in Cornwall, by December 19.

To donate to the GoFundMe campaign, go to https://www.gofundme.com/f/helping-staff-at-warrens-chippenham?