A RIVAL restaurant chain has guaranteed job interviews for all former staff affected by the collapse of Jamie's Italian.

Jamie Oliver's network of Italian restaurants went into administration earlier this week, putting as many as 1,300 jobs at risk. 

Jamie's Italian in George Street, Oxford, was the very first, opening in 2008.

The branch is now closed and will only reopen if a buyer is found to revive the company.

Today, Frankie & Benny’s, which has more than 250 restaurants nationwide, said it wants to 'help individuals affected by the closures.'

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The Italian-American restaurant chain, which has a branch at the Ozone Leisure Park in Oxford, will offer guaranteed telephone interviews for all 1,000+ former staff members from Jamie’s Italian.

Frankie & Benny’s 'people director', Bridget Hutchinson, said: "It was very shocking to hear the news about Jamie’s Italian earlier this week.

"Discussing it with the team we wanted to do something to help the thousands of employees who were let go and [left] jobless as a result.

"We hope by offering any employees an interview we can help them get back on their feet as soon as possible."

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Anyone interested has been asked to email opportunities@trgplc.com with 'Jobs for Jamie' in the subject line.

Administrators KPMG closed 22 of the celebrity chef's 25 restaurants, after investment could not be secured to keep them trading.

Will Wright, partner at KPMG and joint administrator, said: "Unfortunately, with insufficient funds available to be able to trade the business in administration, all but the Gatwick airport restaurants have now closed.

"Our priority in the coming hours and days is to work with those employees who have been made redundant, providing any support and assistance they need."