ALMOST 100 Sussex workers for retail chain Phones 4u have been thrown a potential lifeline.

Network operator Vodafone has struck a deal to buy 140 of the chain's 550 stores around the country, saving 900 jobs.

Details of which stores will be kept open are expected to be revealed by administrator PwC today. The announcement of the deal has given renewed hope to the 97 staff based at the collapsed chain's 20 Sussex branches.

The collapse of Phones 4u, which went into administration on Monday following EE's decision not to renew its contract, affected 5,600 workers.

Dixons Carphone said on Wednesday it would take on the 800 staff who worked at 160 Phones 4u sites within Currys/PC World stores.

A spokesman for Vodafone UK said: “Our offer was accepted by the administrator and we are pleased to report that approximately 900 former Phones 4u employees will keep their jobs and join our dynamic retail business.

“Subject to court approval, we will start engaging with these employees and begin the rebranding of the stores to Vodafone as soon as possible.”

Store staff have been asked to remain at home while talks take place with parties interested in buying other parts of the estate.

PwC partner Rob Hunt said: “We have worked rapidly over the course of the week following our appointment to explore interest in the Phones 4u business and we are very pleased to secure a future for a significant number of stores and continued employment for 887 of the Phones 4u people.

“We wish the transferring employees all the best with their new employer and would like to thank all the Phones 4u staff for their support since our appointment as administrators.”