Administrators have told staff working at Borders, the troubled UK bookstore chain, that they could be made redundant on Christmas Eve. Phil Duffy and Geoff Bouchier, joint administrators from MCR, confirmed yesterday that they are in advanced stages of negotiations with interested parties, but a deal is yet to be finalised. The failure to seal a going concern deal during the course of this week will result in the closure of all stores. 'Staff consultation will continue throughout this week and a further update will be given for each store at the end of the week,' said Duffy. 'We have reassured staff that they will be paid for all of their work during the administration.'