Andy Burnham has called on Poundland's owners to find a "practical solution" to keep stores open and save jobs, following the chain's filing of a notice to appoint administrators last week.
The Prime Minister's comments came as Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds was set to meet the chain's US-based owners Gordon Brothers amid Government criticism of their handling of the retailer. The future of Poundland's roughly 11,000 workers is at risk unless a sale can be agreed.
Pressure on Gordon Brothers to accept a bid
Gordon Brothers, which only bought Poundland last year for £1 and launched a sale process for the company at the start of September, is under pressure to accept a bid to save the retailer, which is on the brink of collapse despite interest from several major supermarket chains.
Asked what his message was to Poundland's executives, Mr Burnham said: "Focus on the people in your employment.
"Meet with the Business Secretary because we are setting up that meeting. Come up with a practical solution that saves jobs and saves those stores because many of them are viable propositions.
"They're on high streets. They matter in our communities. There is a solution to be found here. Sit down with us and let's find it."
Government prepared to help
He said the Government was "prepared to find what we can do" to help save the chain.
