A DIY store in Greenock could be under threat after its owners announced plans to close 40 shops, putting 2,000 jobs at risk. 

The Homebase store in West Shaw Street has just been rebranded to offer a ‘range of products at discounted prices’.

The firm’s latest decison to reduce its number of stores has triggered fresh uncertainty about its future.

Bosses at the company today refused to confirm or deny if the shop could potentially close.

A spokesperson said: “It’s too early to comment on which stores might be affected, and our team will always be the first to know of any updates.”

Wesfarmers, the Australian owner, paid £340m when it snapped up the DIY chain in early 2016 and it has been rebranding stores under the Bunnings title.

But after a ‘disappointing’ performance the Australian firm has put Homebase under review.

It expects the firm to lose £97m in the first half of this year.
David Gill, who is the national officer for the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers (Usdaw), says he is very concerned about the cash crisis.

He said: “Staff in Homebase stores are extremely concerned that Wesfarmers, the parent company of Homebase owners Bunnings UK, are reviewing the business after acquiring it barely two years ago. 

“I have written to the company seeking clarification about their intentions and calling for them to involve Usdaw in the review to ensure the staff have a voice in their future.

“Usdaw is the trade union for Homebase staff and now more than ever they need the representation and support we can provide. 

“It is crucial that the company listens to the staff to make a success of the business.”

Wesfarmers will announce the result of its review in June, so staff will be forced to wait until then to find out which stores are to close.