Staff at Kent branches of Wickes owner Travis Perkins have avoided the chop after the company announced 30 store closures, putting 600 jobs at risk.

The builders’ merchant expects the cuts to cost it £40m to £50 million next year as it tries to address declining sales in its plumbing and heating division.

The company has 18 locations across Kent, plus another 10 Wickes stores, but none will be affected by the efficiency drive, which is only affecting trade outlets.

As well as its store closures, it will shut 10 smaller distribution centres and write off IT equipment.

The 600 staff affected have been made aware of the changes.

Sales of its plumbing and heating products fell 3.9% in the third quarter of the year, although overall sales across the company are up 3.4%.

Travis Perkins suffered a huge drop in its share price after the EU referendum result. It is still down 22% since the vote.

Chief executive John Carter said: “Our plumbing and heating results were disappointing and whilst market conditions have worsened, we are not satisfied with our performance and will commence reviewing these operations.

“Our operational focus remains on improving all of our customer propositions, optimising our networks, intensifying our use of space and exploiting the scale advantage we have created.”