Virgin first partnered with House of Fraser in 2009 and currently operates 12 concessions across its network of high street outlets.

House of Fraser on Thursday (June 7) filed its compulsory voluntary agreement (CVA), setting out its plans to slim the business amid “fundamental change” across the retail industry.

Some 6,000 staff will be affected by the announcement. The 31 stores earmarked for closure will be wound down over the next seven months.

Virgin’s Carlisle, Chichester, Leamington Spa, Lincoln, Sutton Coldfield and Worcester House of Fraser concessions will close under the restructure.

Its Camberley and High Wycombe outlets, meanwhile, will relocate to neighbouring Next premises where Virgin also operates concessions, along with Debenhams and Tesco.

Virgin Holidays’ House of Fraser concessions in Cheltenham, Maidstone, Nottingham and Solihull will continue to operate as normal.

Rob Croxen, restructuring partner at KPMG and second proposed CVA supervisor, said: “None of these stores will close on day one, and employees, business rates and suppliers will continue to be paid on time and in full for the duration of the closure period.”

Virgin Holidays said it was “confident” it would be able to find roles for all affected staff at alternative locations, and stressed the closures would not impact holiday bookings.

A Virgin Holidays spokesperson said: “Virgin Holidays is working closely with House of Fraser following yesterday’s announcement [Thursday].

“We’re speaking with our staff in stores affected by House of Fraser’s CVA plan and are confident we will be able to offer alternative locations for our people in the event of store closures.

“All our stores continue to be open as usual and we’d like to reassure customers who have booked through a House of Fraser store that it will have absolutely no impact on their holiday.

“If they do have any concerns, they can contact our customer relations team on 0344 557 8830 or visit their local store."

Will Wright, restructuring partner at KPMG and a proposed CVA supervisor, added the agreement gave House of Fraser a “vital lifeline” to stave off administration.

“The business has been impacted by the mounting pressures facing the UK high street, with the declining profitability of certain stores exacerbated by costly legacy leases which were originally negotiated many years ago,” he said.

In April, Virgin Holidays announced it would be opening 20 Next concessions.