Clydesdale and Yorkshire Banks to cut more than 150 jobs

More than 150 jobs are set to go at Clydesdale and Yorkshire Banks, drawing strong criticism from unions.

Yorkshire Bank said it will cut 130 jobs across its branches by October, following an increase in the number of customers banking online. A further 26 jobs will go at Clydesdale Bank in Scotland, which is part of the same group.

However, the redundancies will be offset by the creation of 22 adviser roles to help customers facing financial difficulties.

Rob MacGregor, Unite national officer, said the union opposed the cuts.

“These valuable banking advisers, mortgage advisers, business managers’ assistants and quality advisers are the backbone of the business, and only through their hard work will the bank be able to weather the current economic storm,” he said.

“We will challenge management in the coming months to ensure that all staff affected by these cuts will be offered suitable alternative employment, and that there are no compulsory job losses.”

Earlier this month, unions slammed plans by Lloyds Banking Group to shed a further 530 jobs, making the total number of jobs soar past 2,000 since its takeover of HBOS in January.