WORKERS at branches of a building supply merchants in Cumbria face an uncertain future after it was announced some would close.

Around 2,500 workers are set to lose their jobs at builders’ merchant Travis Perkins after bosses announced it would shut 165 stores. The firm has Cumbrian stores in Kendal, Workington, Cleator Moor, Keswick, Wigton, Brampton, two in Carlisle, Penrith, Millom, Ulverston and Barrow.

Although it is unclear how many may close, staff at the Barrow, Carlisle, Blackdyke Road, and Brampton branches said they would definitely remain open. However, a post on social media showed a letter from the Millom branch telling customers it would be closing tomorrow. The company, which also owns Toolstation and Wickes, said the decision comes as it expects recession to hit the trade for at least two years. It said the closures will focus mainly on smaller sites.

In a statement the company said: “It is evident that the UK is facing a recession and this will have a corresponding impact on the demand for building materials during 2020 and 2021.”