Kmart has announced plans to hire Warehouse employees who will soon be out of work due to The Warehouse’s recent move to simplify its in-store management structure.

Kmart has announced its plans as it is currently preparing to open new stores in some parts of the country.

According to the First Union, Kmart has promised priority placement of 60 Red Shed workers at 14 of its stores nationwide.

“Following requests from the Union, Kmart has given the nod this morning for the creation of an application process for these workers,” it said in a statement. “It says while the candidates will need to go through the normal recruitment process it will prioritise 60 positions for former Warehouse staff.”

The Warehouse had earlier announced a proposed restructure that could affect 769 roles, with 180 job losses.

Kate Davis, First Union organiser, said they are thrilled Kmart has recognised the value of the workers. Davis said some of the workers are older who have been with The Warehouse for a long time, and some are migrant workers who are facing additional visa costs should they be made redundant.