Hundreds of store jobs are at risk at Homebase, the DIY chain owned by Home Retail Group.

Full-time staff in about a third of Homebase’s 302 shops are poised to have their hours cut or be offered redundancy, it is understood.

A letter to be sent to affected staff, leaked to The Sun newspaper, reads: “Our store is one of a number where availability of our customer-facing colleagues does not match our trading patterns or customer demand. Also, sales performance has meant we need to review our store payroll costs.

“Together, these mean a realignment and reduction in colleague hours. If the alternative schedule you’re offered represents a significant change to your current terms and conditions, redundancy would be an option open to you.”

A Homebase spokesman told The Sun: “It is likely to affect a very small proportion of colleagues.”