WAREHOUSE workers fear for their jobs after the future of one of its biggest contracts was thrown into doubt this week.

Staff at the Boots-owned DHL depot in Spennymoor were told on Monday that formal consultation about potential changes to its operations was underway.

The news comes amid a review by client Alliance Healthcare which supplies health, beauty and medical goods to pharmacies including Boots.

Workers who contacted The Northern Echo said about 100 staff work at the warehouse, on Meadowfield Avenue.

Around half, who work on the Alliance Healthcare contract, understand their jobs will be cut and the rest, who work on DHL contracts with other high street retailers, are in limbo while the future of the site is discussed.

One employee said they understood the site could shut by mid-September and another said some staff know their jobs will be axed while others may have to consider transferring long-distance to different sites.

A spokesman for Alliance Healthcare, part of Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA), said it is looking at ways to 'streamline and integrate' its network to improve efficiency, specifically in Newcastle and Spennymoor.

He said: “We will work collaboratively with all appropriate parties whilst finalising any proposals and confirming plans. Any changes would then of course be subject to rigorous feasibility and practicality testing before implementation and maintaining quality service performance to our customers.”

Kelly Hyde, area organiser of Usdaw (the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers) said:"DHL have made us aware of changes to their Boots contract that could have an impact on jobs at their Spennymoor site.“Usdaw will now enter into consultation meetings with the company where we will be prioritising keeping staff in employment. In the meantime we are providing members with the support, advice and representation they require."