STRIKE action could be on the cards at the former Kays building in Worcester after it was announced that the site is to close in 2007.

The union representing the majority of the 500 workers at the Bransford Road, St John's-based warehouse, has revealed that "whatever action necessary" will be taken to protect members.

The warning comes after a meeting with workers last Friday at the site, owned by Littlewoods Shop Direct.

Alun Hayes, Worcester official for the Transport and General Workers' Union, said: "Three years ago the owners of Littlewoods, the Barclay brothers, were supposed to be the saviour of our members' jobs at Kays.

"The unions were told a bright future lay ahead for the business. Worcester is set to close by February 2007 despite commitments given. At least 20,000 other jobs have gone in the business since then. Our members may well now ask exactly whose bright future were they talking about?

"Members have unanimously voted to reject company proposals on a site closure redundancy package. We have agreed to continue discussions but have made it clear we will take whatever action necessary to protect our members' interests."

About 500 workers at the former Kays catalogue were told in May they would lose their jobs. The company's owner, Littlewoods Shop Direct, announced it could no longer put off the inevitable closure of the site - although by law, it is required to hold a 90-day consultation period, which ends in August, and have only described the jobs as being "at risk".

A total of three depots and 1,200 jobs, including those in Worcester, will be affected.

The plan is for the changes to take place in two phases. Shop Direct is looking at voluntary redundancies in the summer - it thinks 100 jobs will go that way - and then in January will look at working out redundancy packages.

A Shop Direct spokesman said it was not aware of any imminent action and discussions with the union would continue until an adequate agreement had been reached.