ONLINE retailer Shop Direct's decision to pull out of Little Hulton and Oldham has been described as a "bombshell for employees" by the region's leaders.

Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett met with MPs and union officials following the shock announcement by the company to relocate to the East Midlands, putting hundreds of jobs at risk.

The decision to shut down the Little Hulton operation, just on the outskirts of Bolton, will affect around 100 workers.

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, Barbara Keeley MP for Worsley and Eccles South along with union officials were among those at the meeting.

In a joint statement they said: "Last week’s news of Shop Direct’s planned relocation and anticipated redundancies is a bombshell for hundreds of employees working in Shaw, Little Hulton and Chadderton. We can well imagine how devastated all 1,992 employees must be feeling at this time.

"Firstly, the Mayor, the trade union, local authorities and local Members of Parliament, had no prior notice of this announcement and conveyed their disappointment to the company of this."

It adds alternative proposals had been put forward.

But the statement said: "Regrettably, it quickly became apparent that Shop Direct have committed to their East Midlands site and their plan of a staged transition starting in two years’ time.

"Given that they appeared to have made their decision, the meeting then looked into getting the best possible support for the workforce, and securing a future for the sites affected.

"Many of Shop Direct’s staff have worked for the company in one form or another for many years, in some cases several decades and for a number of generations. It is a business with its roots deep in the North West, and we want to reassure employees that this decision is in no way a reflection of the workforce’s capability or dedication. The professionalism and commitment from Shop Direct’s employees has been second to none."