Disgruntled HMV employees took over the company's official Twitter page on Thursday (January 31, 2013) airing their dissatisfaction at being sacked by the music chain, which called in the administrators two weeks ago. 4,500 jobs are thought to be at risk at the ailing retailer, leaving angry employees taking to the micro-blogging site to vent their frustration this week.

Tweeting "live from HR," the employees managed around seven messages before the company regained control in the afternoon. The tweets - since deleted but reproduced on The Guardian's website - included, "There are over 60 of us being fired at once! Mass execution, of loyal employees who love the brand. #hmvXFactorFiring." Another said, "Sorry we've been quiet for so long," went another. "Under contract, we've been unable to say a word, or - more importantly - tell the truth." Management became suspicious around 2.30pm, with another tweeting, "Just overheard our Marketing Director (he's staying, folks) ask 'How do I shut down Twitter?" The angry employees managed more tweet before their posts were removed. It said, "Under usual circumstances, we'd never dare do such a thing as this. However, when the company you dearly love is being ruined . and those hard working individuals, who wanted to make hmv great again, have mostly been fired, there seemed no other choice." As of 4.30pm, the latest tweet read, "With our #hmvBlueCross Sale underway, who took advantage of the 25% off 1000s of products? What did you pick up?"

On January 22, 2013, it was reported that Hilco - a restructuring company essentially preying on ailing companies - would take control of HMV.

Stars including Professor Green have expressed their regret at the downfall of the company.