David Gill - Usdaw National Officer says: "Usdaw is the trade union for B&Q staff. We again urge B&Q management to abandon their long-held resistance to recognising Usdaw. At this time of uncertainty, staff need to be assured that an experienced and knowledgeable trade union is interrogating the company's business case for these job losses. Given the opportunity Usdaw would ensure that all avenues to save jobs are explored and staff are treated with dignity, fairness and respect. We are providing our members with the individual support and representation they require throughout this difficult time."

Notes for editors:

Usdaw (Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers) is the UK's fifth biggest and the fastest growing trade union with over 430,000 members. Membership has increased by more than 28% over the decade. Most Usdaw members work in the retail sector, but the union also has many members in transport, distribution, food manufacturing, chemicals and other trades.

For Usdaw press releases visit: http://www.usdaw.org.uk/news and you can follow us on Twitter @UsdawUnion