CLOSE to 700 members of staff at a major employer at Omega have seen their jobs placed ‘at risk’.

In an email sent to staff and seen by the Warrington Guardian, The Hut Group is proposing that around 100 employees be made redundant.

Firm, which sells own-brand and third-party cosmetics, dietary supplements and luxury goods, operates a 650,000 square-foot warehouse on a 41-acre plot at Omega South.

An email sent to staff reads: “Following a number of operational changes within the fulfilment division, there is a requirement for headcount to be reviewed in-line with this.”

The email states that changes that have driven this need include the transition of several brands from the Omega facility to another automated site.

Another is acknowledging a noticeable reduction in weekend capacities at the Omega site, which currently stands at approximately 50 per cent.

It continues: “Subject to consultation, The Hut Group is proposing to reduce the number of employees employed in the Omega site.

“688 employees will be placed at risk, with our current proposal being that circa 100 employees be made redundant.

“While we are announcing proposals to restructure the business, it is important to note that no decisions have been made at this stage.

“We realise that at this time you may have questions on how the proposed changes impact your role.

“Further and more detailed information on how the proposed changes may impact on your role will be sent to you in the next couple of days.

“Due to the number of people impacted, we are legally required to conduct collective consultation processes via employee representatives on the proposals.

“We appreciate that this is likely to be an upsetting and difficult time. Our aim is to undertake this process as carefully and professionally as possible.”

The Hut Group also told employees at Omega that it is proposing to implement shift pattern changes, including a reduction in working hours per week, however an increase in the average number of working days per week.

The firm was approached to comment on the proposals.