Jobs go at construction supplier

Plumb Centre, one of Wolseley's businesses

Wolseley owns Plumb Center in the UK

A company that supplies the construction industry is to lay off 269 people in Lancashire and Oxfordshire.

After a 90-day consultation, Wolseley says it is closing its distribution centres in Chorley and Didcot, with the loss of 133 and 76 jobs respectively.

Another 60 jobs will go at the transport bases supporting the centres, Wolseley said.

The company, which distributes heating and plumbing products, blamed the cuts on the recession.

'Fair and sensitive'

Wolseley's sales have fallen in the current economic climate, causing it to reduce its costs.

Managing director Rob Marchbank said: "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 that they are dealt with in a fair and sensitive manner."

Wolseley, which owns Plumb Center and Build Center in the UK, has cut about 17,000 staff and shut 713 branches globally since August 2007.