STAFF at a troubled department store feel "frozen out" of discussions about their future, a union has warned, as uncertainty remains over dozens of its stores.

Last week, Sports Direct and Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley rescued House of Fraser with a £90m deal just hours after it had collapsed into administration.

Mr Ashley, who previously held an 11 per cent stake in the department chain, vowed to keep as many stores open as possible, but sources close to him said he will now begin the process of turning some into Sports Direct outlets and rebrand others under the Flannels name.

Sports Direct are understood to have commenced talks with House of Fraser landlords this week to see if agreements on rents and leases can be reached.

The fate of the Darlington and Middlesbrough stores, which have 267 and 145 workers respectively, is not yet known, although there is hope a deal could be reached to keep Darlington's iconic Binns store open, which is understood to be still making a profit.

Shopworkers’ trade union Usdaw is now urging Sports Direct to engage with them to help protect House of Fraser staff through the transfer process

Dave Gill, Usdaw national officer, said: “House of Fraser staff have been largely frozen out of the discussions about the future business so far and they were horrified to see the company fall into administration this morning.

"So we welcome a buyer for the whole business being found so quickly, which offers the best opportunity to save jobs.

"To be successful the new owners must listen to the staff and engage them fully in turning this company around.

“It is crucial that staff are treated with dignity and fairness through the transfer process and that is best done by the new owner recognising Usdaw as the trade union for House of Fraser staff.

"We are seeking urgent talks with Sports Direct and in the meantime we are providing our members with the support, advice and representation they require at this very difficult time.”

Speaking last week, Mr Ashley said: "This is a massive step forward and further enhances our strategy of elevation across the group.

“This will benefit both House of Fraser and Flannels in the luxury sector. We will do our best to keep as many stores open as possible.

“It is vital that we restore the right level of ongoing relationships with the luxury brands.

“Our deal was conservative, consistent and simple and my ambition is to transform House of Fraser into the Harrods of the High Street.”