157 jobs to be axed in Coventry as banking giant makes more changes
Banking giant Barclays has announced plans to axe 157 jobs in Coventry.
The news comes as the bank announced it is closing a major processing centre in Leeds with nearly 800 jobs lost and cutting another 345 jobs across the country.
The Barclays Coventry workforce has already faced a large number of job losses in recent years. It said that around 15 of the roles are being transferred to India, and 20 people will work remotely from home.
Barclays said: “As announced last year the landlord has put the Millshaw site up for sale with planning permission for residential development. As we are required to vacate the premises at the end of the current lease, we have reviewed all options and made the decision to exit at the end of this year.
“Today’s announcement impacts colleagues at the Millshaw site and is part of a UK wide announcement which focuses on bringing teams together at our key campus sites across the UK.
“In order to drive collaboration, Barclays is moving teams closer together at our UK sites in Glasgow, Greater Manchester and Northampton; where we are investing in new campuses and office space.
“This will enable us to innovate at pace for the customers and clients we serve. We will do everything we can to support colleagues impacted by the changes announced today, working closely with Unite.”
Dominic Hook, Unite national officer said: “The sheer scale of the job cuts announced today by Barclays is alarming. The decision to close the major Barclays site in Leeds will be devastating for the workforce and the local community.
“Unite has argued for some time that the bank has a social responsibility not to walk away from its committed workforce in Leeds. Today is indeed a dark day for nearly 800 people who have worked relentlessly to deliver the highest customer service for Barclays customers.
“To add to the misery today within Barclays the news of a further 345 staff cuts in over 20 locations is deeply troubling.
“Unite is from today supporting our members across the country as they absorb the news that Barclays is closing their site in Leeds and making major job cuts in Coventry as well as many other key workplaces.
“This is clearly a time of immense uncertainty and worry for the workforce. The union is working with Barclays to put into place every possible remedy to support the staff in finding suitable alternative employment and offering advice and support to assist colleagues, including redeployment wherever possible.”
