Halfords is offering job interviews to all staff affected by the planned closures of ATS Euromaster branches across the UK.

The motoring retailer and service provider stepped in after its rival - ATS Euromaster - announced proposals to close its 103 sites - putting 703 roles at risk of redundancy.

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ATS Euromaster in Ipswich which is earmarked for closure (Image: Google Maps)

ATS Euromaster - which is owned by tyre manufacturer Michelin - says sites earmarked for potential closure will stay open throughout the period of consultation, which runs until April 30.

If proposals proceed, the final day of trading for all points of sale will be May 1.

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Among the sites earmarked for closure are ATS Euromasters in Ipswich, Haverhill, Colchester, Clacton, Swaffham, Norwich and Eaton Socon in Cambridgeshire.

But Newmarket ATS is one of 35 ATS sites which looks set to be saved. It forms part of a sale deal with Formula One Autocentres with employees expected to transfer to the new owners under TUPE regulations.

ATS - a car and van fast-fit business - said the plan follows the closure of 86 of its most unprofitable centres in 2025 to try to stem losses.

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The sites which closed last year included Bury St Edmunds, Lowestoft, Diss, Cambridge and Huntingdon.

But this failed to turn around its fortunes in a "market experiencing over-capacity, rising costs and shifting consumer behaviour", it said.

Two buyers stepped in to purchase 49 of its UK sites. Formula One Autocentres wants to buy 35, and S&M Tyres, which trades as Elite Garages, wants 14.

Under those deals, 216 employees across the 49 sites are expected to transfer to the new owners.

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Following those sales, it would "no longer be viable" for ATS Euromaster to operate because lack geographic reach would mean it was no longer able to compete effectively in the UK, it said.

The potential closures only affect ATS Euromaster, and no other part of the Euromaster Group.

Euromaster UK group managing director Nick Harley said it was "an extremely sad and difficult moment for everyone in the company".

"We recognise the impact this will have on our colleagues, their families, and the communities ATS Euromaster serves, and it is not a decision we have taken lightly.

“Despite the team’s massive efforts to reshape the business, improve financial performance, and secure a sustainable future, a combination of intense market competition, sluggish activity within the sector and rising costs have left us with no viable path forward to a break-even position."

Halfords - which operates 498 garages nationwide - has offered to interview all staff at risk of redundancy.

Adam Pay, managing director of autocentres and mobile network at Halfords, said: “We’re pleased to be supporting ATS colleagues by exploring employment opportunities."

© Eastern Daily Press