FASHION chain Republic is on the brink of going into administration, putting 1,000 jobs across the country at risk.

The firm runs a shop in WestQuay shopping centre in Southampton, as well as further Hampshire stores in Portsmouth and Basingstoke as well as further afield in Salisbury and Bournemouth.

In total, Republic has 121 stores across the UK.

Ernst & Young is being lined up as administrator.

Republic's problems make it the latest in a long line of High Street retailers to face significant difficulties, including Jessop's, HMV and Blockbuster all struggling in recent months.