Morrisons has put 40 jobs in its maintenance division at risk.

The grocer has confirmed that two thirds of the 60 people employed in its Store Estates division are under consultation as it looks to outsource specialist jobs.

The division, based in Bradford but with employees across the country, works on maintaining the grocer’s 475 stores employees in engineering and surveying.  

It is understood that some staff may be re-deployed in other areas of the business.

Around 20 jobs are likely to stay in house with the remaining roles outsourced to managing agents.

Morrisons said it will create 7,000 new jobs in 25 new stores in 2012.  

A Morrisons spokesman said “no decision has been made”.