HUNDREDS of jobs could go from Wolseley in Leamington.
Last year the business announced a ‘transformation plan’ to improve efficiency, which in the long-term would see 800 jobs go and 80 branches close across the country.
The next stage of the plans have now been revealed, with Leamington employees warned that jobs look set to be lost.
Staff at the heating and plumbing distribution company have been told 170 people would be made redundant from the distribution centre in Harrison Way, which would close.
Another 100 administration and support roles would also go at the company headquarters, which is based in the town.
The remaining employees – of which there would be around 350 – would be relocated to a new HQ in Leamington.
A spokesman from Wolseley says the proposals are all subject to consultation.
He said: “We originally announced a comprehensive transformation plan to improve our customer propositions and the efficiency of our business in September 2016.
“The plan set out a programme of investment in the business whilst simplifying our branch network and logistics facilities to improve our service to customers and lower our costs. Our restructuring proposals included the closure of 80 branches and one distribution centre resulting in 800 redundancies over 2-3 years across the UK. To date, we have closed 38 branches with 200 redundancies.
“After completing more detailed analysis our expectations of the total UK headcount reductions remain broadly the same. We have briefed employees on an update to our transformation programme.
“These proposed redundancies are subject to employee consultation and we have commenced discussions with our employees.”
Warwick and Leamington MP Matt Western told the Observer he believes the news is ‘very concerning’ for the area.
He said: “It is clear that we need Wolseley in Leamington and need that employment.
“It is really important that we have a diverse mix of business. The business is globally doing well so I don’t understand why it is making these cuts in Leamington.
“I have asked urgently to speak with the managing director and I will be pressing them for an urgent meeting in Leamington.”
