Building supplies firm Wolseley to cut 180 staff

Some 180 people are to lose their jobs at building and plumbing company Wolseley Ireland.

The firm is to close four of its branches, but the job losses will be across the company which operates nationwide. Its best known brands include Brooks, Tubs and Tiles and Heat Merchants.

Two Tullamore stores are to close, Heat Merchants and Tubs and Tiles and staff have been informed of the lay offs. The company will not reveal the other two branches to be closed until all staff have been informed.

Wolseley Ireland, which has its head office in Athlone, said the job losses account for almost one fifth of its workforce.

“We will do all we can to ensure that those affected are treated with the utmost consideration at this difficult time,” the company said in a statement.

It gave current market conditions as the reason for the losses. “With the ongoing changes in the Irish residential new-build market Wolseley Ireland is constantly reviewing its business,” it said.

“This is part of the company’s continued focus to drive efficiencies and reduce costs in light of the unprecedented market conditions,” the statement added.

It said the decision was necessary to maintain competitiveness and to ensure the company is “well placed to succeed when there is an upturn in its markets.”

Siptu expressed disappointment at the loss of a large number of jobs across the firm said they would shortly meet with the company to discuss proposed layoffs.

“It is only about six months since we negotiated significant redundancies with the company,” SIPTU National Industrial Secretary Gerry McCormack said.

“However it undoubtedly reflects the continuing downturn in the construction sector,” he added.

Wolseley Ireland is part of Wolseley plc, the world’s largest distributor of heating, plumbing and building products. It employs some 74,000 worldwide and operates in 27 countries.