Trade union Unite has warned it will oppose plans for compulsory redundancies at Northern Rock as the troubled bank prepares to announce job losses later today.
New chairman Ron Sandler will tell up to one-third of Northern Rock’s 6,500 workers that they face the chop, according to reports.
The cuts are said to be part of Sandler’s restructuring plans as he seeks to cut the recently nationalised bank’s balance sheet to half its current £113bn.
But Graham Goddard, Unite deputy general secretary, said: “News that staff numbers will be reduced as part of the restructuring plans for Northern Rock will cause further uncertainty for the workforce.
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“Unite will now be pressing the company for detailed plans, and will oppose any plans for compulsory redundancies. Through negotiations we will press Northern Rock to ensure that employee terms and conditions are protected.”
Goddard added that jobs could be saved by re-training and the exploration of alternative business opportunities.
