Union leaders say employees have been left “devastated” after DHL’s announcement to close its Droitwich distribution centre – putting more than 300 jobs at risk.

The workforce at the logistics firm’s Worcestershire site – a total of about 330 – have been told of plans to close the site at the end of the year and relocate to a new facility in Somerset.

Unite, the UK’s largest trade union, said its members were left “saddened and devastated” by the announcement of the closure of DHL’s distribution centre which would result in considerable job losses.

The 90-day consultation period has been concluded and Unite has pledged to do everything in its power to assist its members throughout this process.

The Droitwich site primarily distributes goods on behalf of the Morrisons supermarket chain and it blames the lack of a renewed contract for the closure.

Unite regional officer, Simon Powell, said: “This proposed closure is a massive blow to our members and the region. We owe it to our members and their families, who are saddened and devastated, to do everything in our power to help and support them.

“We hope DHL’s management will rethink this decision and we urge them to offer the staff affected every opportunity for redeployment within the business.”

Unite has regular meetings planned with DHL management to discuss the closure proposals and the union will urge management to rethink this move or seek viable employment alternatives.

DHL said it wanted to thank staff for their understanding at this time.

A spokesman for the company said: “While the Berry Hill site will close in January 2012, this decision in no way reflects on the quality of work delivered at the site.”

DHL said it appreciated that not everyone would be able to make the move and that it was providing training, in conjunction with Dudley College, to help staff secure alternative employment in the Droitwich area.