Mothercare has confirmed hundreds of jobs will be lost at its head office in Watford after going into administration.

The children’s retailer said there will be a total of 384 job losses at its headquarters in Cherry Tree Road – 140 of which will be lost in the office and 244 in distribution.

It comes following the announcement that around 20 jobs will be lost at the Mothercare store in Watford Arches, which is set to close alongside another 78 branches in the UK.

Speaking about Mothercare entering administration, chairman Clive Whiley said: “It is with deep regret and sadness that we have been unable to avoid the administration of Mothercare UK and Mothercare Business Services, and we fully understand the significant impact on those UK colleagues and business partners who are affected.

“However, the Board concluded that the administration processes serve the wider interests of ensuring a sustainable future for the Company, including the wider Group’s global colleagues, its pension fund, lenders and other stakeholders.”

Mothercare UK slumped to a £36.9 million loss in the financial year to March, as it has struggled amid a period of turmoil for high street retailers.

The retailer, which employs around 2,500 staff, is set to follow the likes of Bonmarche, Jack Wills and Karen Millen, which have gone bust in recent months.

The global Mothercare group said it has undertaken a review of the UK business and found that it is "not capable of returning to a level of structural profitability".

Chris Ostrowski, Labour's parliamentary candidate for Watford, said: "Mothercare has had a close bond and association with Watford for over 50 years, we all know of a family who will be affected by today's sad news.

“Not only will another retail giant we all know and love be lost from the high street, but over 2,000 workers are likely to lose their jobs at Christmas time.

“When my children were young, my wife and I often shopped there. It really is a crying shame."