MORE than 80 workers could be at risk of losing their jobs after plans were announced to close a bus depot in Bury.

First Manchester announced proposals today to to move operations, including all of its drivers, from its Bury and Tameside locations to three of its other depots.

After the firm conducted a comprehensive review of its network, operations at the Rochdale Road depot are now under threat and could be transferred to centres in Manchester, Oldham, and Bolton.

Currently, 320 employees work from Bury and 92 from Tameside. All 328 driver roles at both sites are safe, but 84 non-driving staff members have been warned they could face redundancy.

The company said that staff in Bury had done "a terrific job" and that as many depot workers and engineers as possible would be offered alternative roles.

Adrian Worsfold, Director of Operations at First Manchester, said: “Over the last two years we have been reviewing our depot network as part of a strategic review designed to make our business a more sustainable one and to help protect jobs in the long term.

“Our decision to relocate will not impact our customers – they should continue to expect high quality and reliable bus services.

“My colleagues in Bury and Tameside have done a terrific job and we will ensure that they are fully supported throughout the coming weeks.

“We have begun communicating with our colleagues and have shared our proposal with the trade unions to ensure their views are considered as part of this process. If the proposal goes ahead, we will of course be doing everything we can to assist those affected by the changes.”

First Manchester will shortly commence consultation with trade union representatives and a 45-day collective consultation process will then begin. If the proposal proceeds as detailed, then the Bury and Tameside operations will be relocated by April 2017.

Mr Worsfold added: “Under the proposals, all 328 drivers roles at our Bury and Tameside depots will transfer. As we work through the consultation, it will become clear how many of our 84 non driving employees will be at risk.

"We will do everything we can to offer alternative roles to as many of our depot and engineering colleagues as possible and do our utmost to ensure any redundancies are kept to a minimum."