Baby goods retailer Mothercare has said it plans to call in administrators to the troubled firm's UK business, putting 2,500 jobs at risk, the BBC reports.

Mothercare said its 79 UK stores were "not capable of returning to a level of structural profitability and returns that are sustainable for the group".

"Furthermore, the company is unable to continue to satisfy the ongoing cash needs of Mothercare UK," it added.

It said stores would continue to trade as normal for the time being.

Also affected is Mothercare Business Services Limited (MBS), which provides certain services to Mothercare UK.

Mothercare has already gone through a company voluntary arrangement (CVA), which allowed it to shut 55 shops.

"These notices of intent to appoint administrators in respect of Mothercare UK and MBS are a necessary step in the restructuring and refinancing of the Group," Mothercare said.

"Plans are well advanced and being finalised for execution imminently. A further announcement will be made in due course."

Only 500 of the jobs at risk are full-time posts, including head office roles, with 2,000 part-time.