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HBOS takeover: Keep up talks, urges MP Linda
MP Linda Riordan has urged banking chiefs to be more open on the future of thousands of Halifax workers.
In a busy round of talks yesterday, she met Rosa Wilkinson, director of public policy at Lloyds TSB, and Liza Vizard, head of public affairs at HBOS.
"They are not giving a lot away and I've stressed the need to communicate," said Mrs Riordan.
"HBOS has said there will be no decisions before Christ-mas as the deal has to go to shareholders."
Mrs Riordan was also told reducing job numbers was likely to take three years and a process of natural wastage and early retirement could lessen the blow.
"It would be devastating if we lost thousands of jobs and I will continue to fight to keep jobs in Halifax and Yorkshire."
She later met Yorkshire minister Rosie Winterton, Yorkshire Forward chief executive Tom Riordan and Ged Nichols, of the union Accord.
"We agreed we all have to work together and get better communication or we have to up the ante," said Mrs Riordan. "Lloyds TSB and HBOS have to be proactive.
"But I'm happy communication channels have now been opened.
"Rosie Winterton will visit Halifax within the next month and meet employees.
"Tony Riordan is fairly positive we can work together to keep jobs in Halifax and Yorkshire."
She said early fears that jobs would be kept in Scotland at the expense of English workers were now subsiding. "There is talk of brands rather than people. Of course, they have to keep the Halifax brand but employees are most important and they want to talk, not just receive emails."
Next month the Halifax estate agency office in Todmorden will close and customers will be asked use the Hebden Bridge service.
The shake-up was announced before the takeover.
The Scottish Liberal Democrats today called for a joint inquiry into the takeover of HBOS by Lloyds TSB.
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Saturday 11 February 2012
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