The builders’ merchant, which owns a number of chains including DIY retailer Wickes and Toolstation, said it had started a consultation with staff on job losses and branch closures, which will reduce its store portfolio by 8%.

The Travis Perkins chain will be the worst affected, focusing on smaller branches where social distancing rules will be difficult to implement and lower trade will wipe out profitability.

Wicks, Toolstation, Tile Giant and the company’s other UK chains will also experience some closures.