Sheffield workers' concerns as Travis Perkins sheds 600 jobs and shuts 30 branches

Branches will be shut across its trade businesses, while it is also closing ten smaller distribution centres and writing off IT equipment. Affected workers have been told of cuts.

The group operates almost 2,000 stores across the UK, including branches of Travis Perkins, BSS, Tile Giant, as well as high street DIY chain Wickes.

It said profits would be lower than expected this year because of disappointing sales in its plumbing and heating division. Wickes - and its other consumer-facing business Toolstation - were not included in the process, company chiefs confirmed.

Chief executive John Carter said: “It is still too early to predict customer demand in 2017 with certainty and we will continue to monitor our lead indicators closely.

“Given this uncertainty, we will be closing over 30 branches and making further efficiency driven changes in the supply chain, resulting in an exceptional charge of £40-50 million this year.”

The FTSE 100 firm said it is making the move due to an “uncertain UK outlook” for next year. Travis Perkins was one of the biggest FTSE fallers following Brexit vote on fears of a hit to the UK’s property and construction sectors. Shares in the company remain down 22% since the referendum.