60 drivers could face redundancy at Wolseley UK

Trade distributor Wolseley UK has entered a consultation period with 60 HGV drivers and 209 warehousing staff over the closure of two distribution centres (DCs) to reduce costs.

The British subsidiary of Wolseley, which provides construction products to plumbing and building firms, has proposed the closure of its Chorley and Didcot DCs in August.

The group runs its own fleet and says there are 60 potential redundancies at the transport outbases which support the DCs. The proposal also affects 133 warehousing roles at Chorley and 76 at Didcot.

Wolseley UK managing director Rob Marchbank says: "Any job losses are regrettable, however there is a need to adjust our business to the prevailing market conditions. We fully recognise our responsibilities to all individuals affected by this announcement, and we will consult with them to ensure they are dealt with in a fair and sensitive manner."