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CWU Secures Voluntary Approach to Alliance & Leicester Job Cuts

12th December 2008

The CWU says that job losses announced today (Friday) by Santander in the Alliance & Leicester are 'very unwelcome' but has secured a commitment that a voluntary approach will be central to the redundancy process.

Andy Kerr, CWU deputy general secretary, said: "At this time of great uncertainty in the banking sector the CWU has managed to secure commitments that there will be a voluntary approach to the redundancies.

"While job losses have been expected following the takeover by Santander, we are determined to ensure that A&L follows the voluntary route to job losses."

Nigel Cotgrove, National Officer, said: "The news that Santander intends to cut 1,000 jobs in Alliance & Leicester during 2009, equivalent to a 13% reduction, is very unwelcome especially just before Christmas.

"Santander has confirmed that the biggest sites at Carlton Park and Bootle are not at risk, and that the Branch network size is to be maintained. While this will provide welcome reassurance for many of our members, the suggestion that smaller sites may be consolidated into larger ones raises serious questions over some locations around the UK."

"We will now be in intensive discussions with the Bank to maintain the maximum number of jobs possible."