Deloitte, administrator of HMV, has announced that an additional 37 of the group's stores are to close, with the loss of a further 464 jobs.

The move brings the total number of staff who have lost their jobs to close to 1,500 and means nearly half the workforce at the retailer have been made redundant.

No fixed date has been set for the latest round of store closures and they will continue to trade in the meantime, but are likely to shut within the next four to six weeks in parallel with the 66 stores that are already subject to a closure programme. HMV currently operates from 219 stores in the UK.

Nick Edwards, Deloitte partner and joint administrator, said: 'This step has been taken in order to enhance the prospects of the restructured business continuing as a going concern. Together with the previously identified 66 closures, this restructuring will result in a residual portfolio of some 116 stores.'

Among the closures included in the latest announcement are all four Heathrow airport sites, along with a fourth Glasgow store, in addition to the three other stores already closing in the Scottish city. However, HMV's flagship store in London's Oxford Street will remain open for the time being.

Edwards said: 'We are extremely grateful to the staff for their continued strong support and commitment during an understandably difficult period. All other key stakeholders including suppliers and landlords remain supportive and we appreciate their ongoing assistance.'