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HBOS takeover: It's the only way, staff are told
AN HBOS chief last night admitted that the bank takeover would lead to job losses – but details remain scarce.
Shane O'Riordain, the bank's communications manager, told a heated public meeting at Northgate House, Halifax, that no guarantees could be given.
Mr O'Riordain, speaking at the meeting organised by Halifax MP Linda Riordan, said: "We cannot give certainties about jobs in any locality.
"I accept there has been very little detail so far but this only happened a week ago.
"It will take three years for the group to come together and amalgamate." Mr O'Riordain defended the move to union members, councillors and HBOS workers who attended the meeting.
"There was no other way of doing it", he said. "A financial hurricane is running through the system right now."
Linda Riordan, Calder Valley MP Chris McCafferty and union chiefs vowed to fight any compulsory redundancies.
Mrs Riordan said: "We want reassurances that jobs are kept in Halifax. It has been a very difficult time but we hope this is the start of positive developments."
Worried Halifax workers spoke, fearing they would be sold short in the deal.
Paul Cairns, an IT worker at the company for the past 25 years, said: "This bank was built on the sweat of local, dedicated people. It is very hard to think that will be lost. It feels like a bereavement."
Amanda Scott, 49, who works in the HBOS head office, said: "The way this happened overnight scared the hell out of everybody.
"All of a sudden the town we live in is called Hellifax."
Shadow Work and Pensions Minister James Clappison was in Halifax yesterday to talk to councillors and HBOS workers.
Mr Clappinson, whose wife Helen used to live in the town, backed the Courier campaign to keep HBOS jobs in Halifax.
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Saturday 11 February 2012
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