Unite warns 25,000 jobs at risk in banks sell off
3rd November 2009
Warning that up to 25,000 banking jobs are at risk with the
government’s plan to sell off parts of the state-aided high street
banks, RBS and Lloyds Banking Group, Unite the union says
ministers, the employers and the UKFI have a duty to prioritise
saving jobs over securing the best price for the banks' assets.
Unite national officer, Rob MacGregor, said: “Another day,
another announcement bringing huge uncertainty to employees at the
part-nationalised banks, RBS and the Lloyds Banking Group. We
cannot allow a situation to arise where some 25,000 loyal workers
in bank branches in high streets and towns across the country are
made to pay the price for the banking executives' recklessness
“While this is a decision largely out of both banks' hands, in
divesting these assets, simply securing the best price would be
letting down loyal and long serving staff. Any potential buyers
should be assessed on the commitment to job security and protection
of terms and conditions, not short-term profit maximisation.
“The employers, UKFI and the government all have a duty to these
long suffering staff to ensure that opportunistic buyers are not
permitted to asset strip these institutions, leaving thousands of
staff facing a bleak future. For Lloyds-owned Cheltenham &
Gloucester staff, this is a further blow and a return to massive
uncertainty as the on/off decision on their future continues.
“The government has saved the banks, now it is time to save bank
workers.”
ENDS
For further information contact: Ashraf Choudhury on 07980 224
761
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