THE British high street was dealt another blow today when fashion retailer USC went into administration, putting 300 jobs at risk.

Fifteen of the group's 58 shops across the UK are affected, said Bryan Jackson at PKF, who has been appointed administrator.

But he said a deal had been negotiated with company Dundonald Holdings Ltd, which is buying up to 43 of the stores and safeguarding the remaining 1,127 jobs at the high street chain.

The remaining 15 stores will be temporarily operated by the administrator.