The soft furnishing company, which has its headquarters based on the Hellaby Industrial Estate, called in the administrators last Friday.

And on Tuesday, 17 people were told they no longer had a job, but it is unknown which posts have been axed and whether more of the 77-strong workforce will be affected.

Now a buyer is being sought for the firm as the fate of the remaining employees hangs in the balance.

Coun Brian Cutts, Hellaby Ward member for Rotherham Council, said it was sad news.

"I carried out electrical work for Rosebys across the country until about five years ago, and this recent news is terrible," he said.

"It is likely that redundancies will be made which will hit employees and their families of the firm hard."

"This will affect the residents of Hellaby and the surrounding neighbourhood."

Administrators KPMG LLP Restructuring are now in control of the firm, which employs approximately 2,000 staff at its 280 stores across the UK.

Chairman of Hellaby and Bramley Parish Council, Coun Neil Fulcher said he was upset to hear the news.

"Hellaby Industrial Estate has brought many jobs to this area, and it is very disheartening that Rosebys has gone into administration," he said.

"My thoughts are with those who have been made redundant. Because of the current economic climate there are not as many jobs around as there were six months ago."

"As a parish council we would like to offer to help out the company in any way possible," added Coun Fulcher.

Rosebys has an annual turnover of £100m and as well as the Hellaby head office, the company has a distribution centre in Selby, North Yorkshire.

Joint administrator Howard Smith said because of the current financial climate there is likely to be more victims.

"The business is continuing to trade as normal while we review the financial position and seek a going concern sale," he said.

"In common with many retailers, the group has experienced difficult trading conditions, leading to continuing losses."

"Rosebys has recently sought to re-finance, but this did not prove possible in the current economic climate. We are looking for offers for the whole or any part of the business," added Mr Smith.

A further announcement by administrators is due to be made today. Check our website for more details.