Supermarket giant Sainsbury’s has said it plans to close two Argos depots in a move that will impact 1,400 jobs.
It is expected to take place over the next three years as part of a wider shake-up of its general merchandise operations across the group.
The company said it was proposing to close its Basildon distribution centre in Essex and depot at Heywood, Greater Manchester.
It said the move would also threaten jobs in third party support operations.
Sainsbury’s said all its staff affected by the plan would have the opportunity to apply for jobs elsewhere in the company.
The Unite union responded by saying there was “no economic justification” for job losses, claiming at least 750 people would be left out of work by the decision.
Sainsbury’s argued it had to modernise its logistics operations.
The company’s statement said it was looking to further automate operations at its Daventry site, “enabling a reduction of stock, more responsive delivery to customers and stores and a simpler delivery process for suppliers.”
An office in Milton Keynes was also slated to be shut due to greater demand for flexible working.
