Unite response to 1,700 HSBC job losses
3rd November 2009
Unite, the UK’s largest trade union, has reacted with fury to
the announcement by HSBC of 1,700 job losses.
The impact of the news of job losses today (Tuesday, 3rd
November) at HSBC sites in Southampton, Southend, Leicester and
Sheffield will be deeply felt by the local workforce. This comes
just seven months after the decision by the bank to cut 2,900 jobs.
With today’s announcement this brings the number of job losses to
4,600.
Unite national officer, Rob MacGregor, said: “Unite is appalled
that HSBC is choosing to cut a further 1,700 staff from across the
UK. HSBC needs to urgently reconsider its strategy. At a time of
strong market performance by HSBC, the company should not be
cutting its most crucial asset, the staff that have contributed to
£3 billion half year profits and delivered market strength in a
challenging financial climate.
“Unite views the loss of 1,700 staff as a fundamental mistake.
The union does not believe this will do anything to improve the
company’s future performance. HSBC should think again before
cutting its skilled and dedicated workers.”
Unite has argued that the closure of HSBC centres in
Southampton, Sheffield and Southend will damage these regions and
staff will now face an uncertain future. Unite continues to argue
that the case for closure of the HSBC Southend centre is not
proven.
Many of those who have today been told that they will lose their
jobs are low paid workers, earning as little as £14,000 per
year.
ENDS
For more information contact: Ashraf Choudhury, Unite press
office on 07980 224 761
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