REALITY is sinking in for workers at Tesco's distribution warehouse in Strood today after it was announced that Tesco is to shut down and relocate to Essex. More than 400 jobs could be lost.

Employees at the distribution depot in Knight Road are furious about the plans.

Managers have held separate briefings with groups of about 100 workers informing them that the depot will be closing in September.

Worried workers held meetings after being told to finish their shifts early to avoid telling other employees who did not yet know.

Staff have been told jobs will be available in Thurrock. There may also be jobs at local Tesco stores.

But employees pointed out that working in Thurrock would involve a 40-mile round trip, mostly through busy commuter traffic, and having to pay a the £2 toll charge to get through the Dartford crossing and back.

A woman worker, who did not want to be named, said: “We were told in a meeting and we all laughed in disbelief. They have well and truly done us over. What on earth am I supposed to do now?

“How will those who can’t drive get to Thurrock for the 6am shift or get home after a night shift?”

A Tesco spokesman said: “We believe these changes will help us provide a better service. By combining our Strood and Thurrock operations we will get a better location closer to transport networks and economies of scale. We will be securing the same number of jobs at Thurrock.”

Medway Council's Portfolio Holder for Planning and Economic Development, Cllr Jane Chitty, said: "While we are concerned about the potential for any job losses in Medway, we note that Tesco are proposing to transfer jobs from Strood to Thurrock and that these proposals are at consultation stage.

"Medway Council has been in direct contact with Tesco to assess and keep track of the situation, and both the council and our partners will be on hand to offer direct assistance to any employees that need it.

"We are well practised in delivering this assistance through our Rapid Response Project and we will work to ensure that there is no-one is adversely effected."

* Earlier this year, around 250 jobs were lost when the Co-operative Group announced the closure of its distribution depot in Gillingham to move to Thurrock.