Laser staff lose jobs as efforts to save business fail

Laser employs 140 staff in 10 stores across Northern Ireland, including Benson Street in Lisburn.

It had blamed the economic downturn for the decision to go into administration after which the shops were closed until further notice.

Staff were advised not to return to work until the end of last week as the administrators were in the process of contacting creditors.

KPMG, who are acting as administrators for the company, said on Friday they had been unable to save the business and all staff would be losing their jobs.

KPMG said anyone who has a claim against the company or who may have goods on the premises should contact them in writing at KPMG, Stokes House, 17-25 College Square East, Belfast, BT1 6DH. When making a claim, do not send original documentation, only a photocopy.

The company's last published accounts, which were for 2008/2009, showed it made a profit of 34,177 which the directors said had been achieved against a "very challenging trading environment."

Conservative and Ulster Unionist candidate for Lagan Valley, Daphne Trimble, said she was 'saddened to see yet another company forced into administration, especially when Lisburn was once a thriving store'.

She added: "Families will be hit hard and that is a real worry. This news comes as further evidence that despite the Labour Party's claims, businesses, employees and our private sector are still bearing the brunt of their economic failure."