STOCK WATCH

■ DISCOUNT retailer The Works said losses widened to £8.7m for the six months ending October 30 despite buoyant trading. It comes as margins were squeezed by higher container freight costs and soaring wages across the UK. But appetite for discounters remains high in light of cost of living concerns and the company said demand was ‘particularly strong’ in the week preceding Christmas. Although The Works expects better trading this year, shares slid 20.8pc, or 9p, to 34.2p.