Clydesdale Bank plans to axe 99 jobs in Scotland

Deputy Business Editor

Thursday 12 July 2012

CLYDESDALE Bank is planning to cut 99 jobs in Scotland in the first part of a major restructure move which unions have described as "devastating" for the workforce.

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Greig Cameron deputy business editor

The bank, headed by David Thorburn, had previously suggested around 60 Scottish roles would be under threat as part of plans by owner National Australia Bank (NAB) to shed 1400 posts in the UK over the next three years.

Around 200 people have already gone, with the latest round involving a further 730 people across the UK – although 180 of those will transfer across to NAB to manage £6.2 billion of commercial property loans it is taking on to its balance sheet.In Scotland it is private and business banking posts, along with some positions in risk control functions, which have been earmarked for the axe.It is understood those will be from sites across the country, although some staff may be given the option to relocate.NAB's restructure of its UK units includes the closure of 29 of the 73 financial solutions centres that cater for business customers and investors.As part of that, four in Scotland – in Paisley, Bearsden, Dunfermline and Inverurie – are expected to shut down. Two back-office locations in Glasgow will also go. Clydesdale is moving its financial solutions centre from the Exchange building on Waterloo Street to the bank's headquarters at St Vincent Place in the city. An office at 100 Queen Street is also closing as the bank seeks to minimise its property costs.Colin Borland, from the Federation of Small Businesses in Scotland, warned a reduction in business bankers would have a detrimental effect on customers, particularly in rural locations.He said: "Despite the knock relationships between businesses and banks have taken over the past four years that relationship is still very important."If there is a banker who knows your business well, then that is an asset to the company."If that is taken away then our members would feel a grievance."The remainder of the roles to be cut by the bank will go across operations in England including the south-east and Yorkshire.The Unite trade union had suggested 145 bank jobs were at risk in Scotland but Clydesdale have confirmed the net reduction would be 99.A spokesman for Clydesdale said: "This is the next stage in the process we announced in April."We are communicating with staff and letting them know what their options are."David Fleming, national officer at the Unite union, said: "The decision by the National Australia Bank to cut 730 staff is devastating for the workforce. "Unite has strongly challenged the bank on these job losses. Serious questions need to be answered by the management as to why the bank expanded in this business area so rapidly, when the model was significantly flawed. "The closure of so many NAB sites and the migration of work will present significant difficulties for our members. "This news will be devastating for staff and their families, many of whom have served the bank for many years."In May, NAB chief executive Cameron Clyne was announced as the incoming chairman of Clydesdale Bank, as the parent company began to take closer control of the UK business.

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Clydesdale Bank plans to axe 99 jobs in Scotland

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