Argos Heywood depot closure: Everything we know so far with 350 jobs in Greater Manchester under threat

More than 350 jobs could go after plans to close an Argos depot in Heywood were announced in what has been described as a 'major blow for the area.'

Sainsbury's - which owns the high-street catalogue store - today unveiled plans to merge five existing depots across both brands into three over the next three years, with two being closed.

One of the two warehouses earmarked for closure is the Argos depot at Heywood Distribution Park off Pilsworth Road whch serves stores in the north of England.. The other is in Basildon, Essex which currently serves shops in the south.

READ MORE: Argos announce two UK depots to shut including huge Heywood site with 1,400 jobs affected

A consultation has begun with a total of 1,400 jobs now at risk as part of the entire overhaul announced today, aimed at 'simplifying' and 'modernising' its logistics network and reducing costs.

Sainsbury's said they had not taken the decision lightly but union leaders have accused the firm of 'dumping workers in pursuit of short-term profits' whilst councillors say they feel 'let down' by the decision.

Sainsbury's declined to specify exactly how many jobs are affected at the Heywood site. However, officials at the trade union Unite said around 750 jobs were under threat as a result of the two warehouse closures, around 350 of which are at Heywood. It's understood a meeting was held with staff earlier today (Tuesday).

They said they had been told the proposals would come into effect by 2025 however Sainsbury's said they aimed to close them by 2026.

In addition to the direct job losses are the jobs of HGV drivers employed by Wincanton, on an outsourced contract, which are also at risk, Unite added. They said there was 'no economic justification' for the