The Minister for Trade and Industry says every effort is being made to find new jobs for staff at the Woolworths store in Strand Street, Douglas.

Yesterday it was confirmed by administrator Deloitte it would be closing its doors for the last time next Monday, after trading for 84 years.

David Cretney says his department has been in touch with staff at the Island's job centre to help those affected.

He told Manx Radio:

"The good news is there are still a significant number of job vacancies at the job centre and I'm pleased to say my senior staff at the job centre have been in touch with staff at Woolworths.

"They have provided them with information in terms of job opportunities (and) have indicated that if anybody wants to come into the job centre for support, or to be talked through any of the opportunities, then we are happy to do so and help them in whatever way we can.

"Obviously I'll be leading from the top in relation to this matter."