Zarah ChoudharyLloyds Banking Group (LBG) has informed its workforce of the decision to close the firm’s large office in Speke, Liverpool.
According to Unite, staff were told that the bank would no longer have an office in Liverpool, and that they must travel to its location in Chester.
Unite opposed the closure of the Liverpool office, which employs nearly 500 staff.
Dominic Hook, national officer at Unite, said: “The proposed closure of the large Lloyds Banking Group centre in Liverpool Speke is a huge mistake.
“The impact on the hundreds of staff and the region will be significant and is wholly unnecessary.
“The impact of the longer commute to Chester for colleagues is huge.
“While some workers in Speke do currently work from home, a substantial number still do need to travel into the centre for work.
“The refusal of LBG to open an alternative Liverpool office is completely unjustified and damaging.
“Poor communication of the site closure has added insult to injury, with management telling staff of the decision by email.
“The loss of important jobs from Liverpool is a blow. Unite wants to see Lloyds Banking Group maintain its presence in the city and ensure that those who work in its Liverpool office continue to have a safe local facility to do their jobs.”
Unite voiced concerns for staff who do not wish, or are unable, to work from home.
The union also opposed the suggestion that staff would be required to travel an additional distance, in some cases adding an hour to their commute.
The site in Speke, Liverpool is a large contact centre dealing with fraud and customer services.
Workplace Journal reached out to Lloyds Banking Group for a comment.
