Bradford-based retail distribution company Redcats UK has announced 130 jobs are at risk across all departments.

The former Empire Stores operator went into a consultation process yesterday with staff and their representatives about the potential job losses at sites in Bradford and Wakefield.

The possible redundancies are part of proposals which include “significant investment” to protect 500 jobs in its UK logistics and call centre operations in Wakefield, and to support the Bradford-based La Redoute, Vertbaudet and Daxon brands. Usdaw, the union representing workers at the plant, said it would support members throughout the consultation process.

An Usdaw spokesman said: “We are aware of the announcement of up to 130 redundancies across all departments of Redcats UK. The company has now started a consultation process in which we will be playing a full part.”

Redcats UK managing director Stephane Roche said it was good news that brands will continue to be supported from the UK, protecting 500 jobs.

He said: “The trading environment will remain very tough in 2009, and it is essential we are fully competitive in the market place with efficient support operations that reflect the current size and plans of the business. We regret that this will involve further redundancies. We are now starting a consultation process with staff and their representatives.”

In January the company announced it would close Empire Stores, which had represented a significant part of its UK operations.

Yesterday it said the completion of this process resulted in “significant over-capacity” at some of its locations.

It carried out a strategic review of how it would support the company’s remaining brands. The company said: “This proposal will involve significant investment to align these operations to the company’s future development plans and to dispose of surplus assets.

“Unfortunately, the final downsizing of capacity could also result in up to 130 redundancies across all departments.”

In January the group said the closure of Empire Stores would allow it to concentrate on its web-based and direct home shopping brands.