JOBS at a Greenbridge office supplies store could be at risk, after the firm was put in administration.

Nationally, 1,200 jobs at stationery chain Office Outlet, formerly Staples, could go. The company's 90 UK stores will continue to trade while a buyer is sought for the chain.

Bosses blamed falling demand for stationery supplies.

Chris Yates, the Office Outlet chief executive who led a management buyout of the firm last September, said: "Over the last two years the business has been transformed from the heavily loss-making old Staples business to a near break even modern multichannel retailer.

"However, additional growth capital was required to continue delivery of the next stage of the management buyout business plan. Despite being highly impressed by the Office Outlet story potential investors have held back due to retail sector sentiment and the general level of uncertainty."

Partners from accountancy giant Deloitte have been appointed as administrators.

"In addition to a general downturn in trading as a result of the ongoing decline in the stationery market and UK retail in general, the company has recently experienced a reduction in credit from key suppliers, given the economic outlook which has severely impacted the financial position of the company," said joint administrator Richard Hawes.

"We are hopeful a buyer can still be found for the business in the coming weeks and we will continue to trade the business with that aim in mind."

US multi-national Staples sold its UK stores to Hilco Capital in 2016. These shops were renamed Office Outlet.

There is no link between Office Outlet and Staples UK, an online-only business still owned by the US firm

Following news of the administration, Staples UK tweeted: "We were sorry to learn of the office supplies retailer Office Outlet business being placed into administration. We would like to reassure you that there is no connection between Office Outlet and Staples UK and our service to you continues as normal."

Last year, Office Outlet's neighbour at the Greenbridge shopping park, Maplin, shut its doors after the retailer went into administration.