Logistics firm DHL has revealed plans to relocate the Argos distribution centre in Stafford, putting 129 jobs at risk of redundancy.

It would mean work from the site would transfer to sites in Darlington and Bedford. A 45 day consultation is now underway to determine the fate of the 129 workers at the Stafford site.

Unite the Union officer Simon Green explained, “The number of redundancies really is a moving target every time we meet. We meet with management, put a number of counter proposals to them and they go away to look at them.

“It's a horrible situation for the staff to be in. It is a 45-day consultation at the moment, but that might change. One of the worst things about redundancy is people want to know what it means for them, but until the consultation is finished no-one can answer the question. We have people asking 'is it me?' but the answer is, we don't know.

Workers were told about the changes last month, and local MP Jeremy Lefroy has reportedly pledged to help where he can.

A spokesperson for DHL said, “Following the sale of Homebase to Westfarmers Ltd and the reduction in volumes this entails, DHL has announced proposals to repurpose its distribution centre at Acton Gate, Stafford.

“Should these proposals go ahead, Argos' operations will continue to be provided by DHL but moved to Marsh Leys and Faverdale, while Habitat's operations will transfer from Kettering and Marsh Leys to Acton Gate.

"DHL would like to thank their Acton Gate team for their commitment at this difficult time and stress that the decision in no way reflects on their quality of work.”