STAFF impacted by the closure of the Argos depot in Basildon will “have the opportunity to explore alternative roles” with the company, it has been revealed. 

Supermarket giant Sainsbury’s, which now owns the firm, is aiming to shut its Argos warehouse in Basildon by 2026, alongside a depot in Greater Manchester. 

Following the shock announcement on Tuesday, Sainsbury’s has confirmed “colleagues impacted by the proposals will have the opportunity to explore alternative roles within Sainsbury’s and Argos”.

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Around 1,400 jobs will be impacted by the closure of both Argos sites, with the announcement coming just weeks after Ford announced it would be cut 1,300 UK jobs - with many at Dunton at risk.

John Baron, Conservative MP for Basildon and Billericay, said: “It is disappointing to hear that Sainsburys is planning to close the Argos warehouse in my constituency.

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“I am making enquiries with Sainsbury’s as to the support the company is offering, but I understand that staff impacted by the proposals will have the opportunity to explore alternative roles within Sainsbury’s and Argos.

“I would encourage those affected to discuss their options with their employer.”

Yesterday, trade union Unite said that there was no “economic justification” for the closures.

Andrew Baggott, leader of Basildon Council, acknowledged the gesture but emphasised that for many staff it is “not as easy” as simply switching to a new position.  

He said: “Any sort of organisation that closes is really disappointing.

“It is good that employees will be offered alternative roles, but people might not want that or want to move, so it is an issue for many.

“Being offered a new job doesn’t cut the mustard for some due to many circumstances, but at least there is that opportunity.  

“As a council, we will also continue to work with anyone laid off to facilitate any new jobs and support both the firm and employees going forwards in the future.”

Simon Roberts, chief executive of Sainsbury’s, said: “As with any major change to our business, we have not taken the difficult decision to start this consultation lightly.

“We understand that this will be an unsettling time for affected colleagues, and we will support them however we can throughout this process.”