Argos announce two UK depots to shut including huge Heywood site with 1,400 jobs affected - live updates

Plans to close a huge Argos depot in Greater Manchester have been announced. Sainsbury's - which owns the high-street retailer - says it aims to close two depots over the next three years in a move that will impact more than 1,400 jobs across the country.

One of those affected is the firm's depot in Heywood. A warehouse in Basildon, Essex, is also set to go as part of the overhaul.

It follows the brand announcing last month it would be closing all its store in the Republic of Ireland with the loss of 580 jobs..

This is a breaking news story and we will have updates as we get them in our live blog below

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Trade union Unite has reacted saying there is 'no economic justification' for the closures as they vow to 'pursue all avenues to preserve employment at these sites.'

National officer Matt Draper said:

Management at Argos/Sainsbury’s has yet to provide any form of business case for the loss of these jobs.

Unite will be fighting to preserve every job and will put forward an alternative business case to the company to preserve employment at these two sites.

This is an incredibly wealthy company which should be investing in its loyal workforce rather than dumping workers in pursuit of short-term profits.

If Sainsbury’s doesn’t drop its closure plans then Unite will pursue all avenues to preserve employment at these sites.”

Sainsbury's Chief Executive Simon Roberts said:

As with any major change to our business, we have not taken the difficult decision to start this consultation