The materials giant snapped-up 22 sites from the drainage and civil engineering supplier before the rest of Burdens went into administration.

The deal saw 554 Burdens staff transfer over to Wolseley.

But the firm has now launched a consultation with staff over job losses.

It said: “The assets were distressed when we acquired them and we are now rebuilding revenue in the business.

“We will ensure that the cost base is appropriate going forward and have recently initiated actions to reduce the headcount by approximately 200, subject to employee consultation.”

The news came as Wolseley revealed flat revenues and margins at its UK operation for the half year to January 31 2013.

Turnover in the UK was steady at £853m from £850m last time with trading profit up to £45m from £44m