A NUMBER of jobs in Ipswich are potentially under threat after retailers Wilkinson announced up to 1,500 positions may go next year.The discount chain, which has a store in Upper Brook Street, said it may shed the jobs if it adopts a new stock supply system.

A NUMBER of jobs in Ipswich are potentially under threat after retailers Wilkinson announced up to 1,500 positions may go next year.

The discount chain, which has a store in Upper Brook Street, said it may shed the jobs if it adopts a new stock supply system.

Wilkinson has said it is doing everything it can - including freezing external recruitment - to ensure any redundancies are kept to a minimum.

A company spokesman also stressed that the possible cuts were not connected to the current squeeze on the high street and that Wilkinson's sales levels are “bearing up very, very well'” as consumers opt for value goods.

Staff at the retailer's 312 stores and their trade union have been briefed about the proposed changes to the way stock is replenished, which is being trialled at 33 shops in the Midlands and Yorkshire.

Wilkinson employs around 25,000 people across the UK.

A spokesman for the firm said: “This process has nothing to do with the current trading conditions on the high street but has been in development for some considerable time.

“We care passionately about our team members and the decision to commence early discussions reflects our determination to minimise any effect through redeployment of our existing and loyal team members wherever possible, if (the new stock-handling system) is adopted.”