JOBS could be lost after a furniture chain fell into administration.

Furnitureland, based in Anerley, near Bromley, succumbed to the economic slowdown and increased competition.

The company operates 28 stores across the UK, employing about 500 people. Forty of those work at its headquarters, in Croydon Road.

They could lose their jobs if a buyer for the company is not found soon. dministrators from Ernst & Young were appointed last month.

One of the joint administrators, Alan Hudson , said: “For customers who have paid for their goods in full or in part and where the goods have been already delivered to a Furnitureland store or warehouse, these will be delivered to customers as soon as any outstanding balance has been paid and a delivery date has been arranged.”

He added: “For customers whose goods are not available for delivery, every effort will be made to try and secure the goods ordered from the manufacturers involved. If this is not possible, customers will be offered similar goods at a 10 per cent discount. In those circumstances, the customer deposit will be honoured.”

Customers should have contacted the Furnitureland store where they made their original purchase to arrange a delivery, by Wednesday .

* All store telephone numbers are available at www.furnitureland.co.uk.