MORE than 600 workers are set to lose their jobs at a Mersey distribution centre after owner B&Q announced plans to move their positions to the South.

Staff at the DHL-run Preston Brook site, in Runcorn, found out their jobs were at risk when B&Q, one of the country’s largest DIY suppliers, announced the results of a review of its distribution network.

It left 615 Mersey DHL employees in consultation for their jobs, while a further 24 Kuehne & Nagel staff are also affected.

Five more third-party distribution centres operated by Kuehne & Nagel and Wincanton in Coventry, Chepstow, Middleton, Milton Keynes, and Swindon are expected to be affected by the B&Q decision.

It could mean the loss of up to 1,031 jobs by 2012 as B&Q gears up to provide its own central, self-run operation in Swindon.

Usdaw area organiser Nick Gerrard said: “This is obviously shocking and extremely distressing news for our members, who B&Q acknowledged have been a committed and loyal workforce.

“Consultation on the proposals will start immediately and we will be working hard with DHL to try to secure a future for their Preston Brook site and to mitigate the scale of any job losses.

“I have been at Preston Brook since early yesterday morning when staff briefings started and Usdaw will continue to do everything possible to support our members through this very difficult and uncertain time.”

B&Q announced it intends to open a new £77m regional distribution in Swindon, creating 550 jobs, and also expects to create a further 250 jobs at its existing Worksop distribution centre.

One small positive for the North West was an indication a consolidation centre would be required in the region, but the location and details have yet to be confirmed.