KIDDERMINSTER jobs are set to be axed as plans have been announced to shut all standalone Carphone Warehouse stores across the country.

Nearly 3,000 jobs are being cut at Dixons Carphone after the retailer announced plans to shut all 531 of its standalone Carphone Warehouse mobile phone stores.

The group, which has a standalone shop on Vicar Street in Kidderminster, says the shops will shut on April 3.

They plan to sell mobile phones solely in their 305 combined Currys PC World stores and online across the UK.

It expects to make 2,900 redundancies, but said almost 1,800 affected staff are set to take new roles elsewhere in the business.

The company said it had not yet seen a large hit from the coronavirus crisis across its core chain apart from supply issues, but is "preparing for one".

However, its 29 travel stores have been badly affected by the outbreak as passenger numbers plummet, and it is expecting profits from the division to be knocked by around £5 million.

Dixons Carphone said the move is "essential" to help turn around its UK mobile arm, which is set to make a £90 million loss this year.

Carphone Warehouse group chief executive Alex Baldock said: "There's never an easy time for an announcement like this, but the turbulent times ahead only underline the importance of acting now."

He added: "We're working hard to look after those colleagues we can't find new roles for, financially and otherwise.

"We'll pay enhanced redundancy, any bonuses, honour their share awards, and help them find new jobs through an outplacement programme."