Published: Wednesday, 17th February, 2010 12:01pm

Six jobs are to go at the Cavan branch of Halifax

by Michael Cryan

The Halifax branch in Cavan on Thomas Ashe Street, which opened in April 2007, is to close with the loss of six jobs locally. The bank is closing all its 44 retails outlets in the Republic, with the loss of 750 jobs in total.
Pic by==: 97

Six jobs are to go at the Cavan branch of Halifax following the announcement by the Bank of Scotland (Ireland) that it is to close all its 44 retails outlets in the Republic, with the loss of 750 jobs in total. The Cavan branch only opened in April 2007. Five jobs are to go in the Monaghan town branch.

The bank, now owned by Lloyds, said the move was part of a reorganisation of its operations that will see it focus solely on the corporate and commercial side of its business here.

In a statement, the bank moved to reassure customers that all saving and investments would remain secure and that it would commence contacting customers by the end of this month to explain what the move meant for them.

It advised all mortgage and personal loan customers to make repayments as normal and said customers would be notified of any changes on how their accounts will be serviced.

The bank's branches will remain open until June and thereafter it's envisaged that mortgage and personal loan customers will be obliged to conduct transactions with Halifax over the telephone, through other banks or via post.Unite, the union which represents many workers at Bank of Scotland, said it was "shocked and dismayed" at the move.

A spokeswoman told The Anglo-Celt this week that a voluntary redundancy programme was put in place on February 10 and some members have taken it up.

The majority of staff will be let go by the end of May, she added.

"This is a crazy decision to take at such short notice when the prospect of a third banking force in Ireland of which Bank of Scotland (Ireland) could be a huge part is still very much in the mix," the spokeswoman said.

Meanwhile Ulster Bank has announced a Halifax Customer Welcome Programme in their Cavan branch for any Halifax customers who need help in finding a financial partner for their banking needs.

Aoife Brady and the team in Cavan would like to welcome local Halifax customers to the branch over the coming weeks.

"We understand that this may be a worrying time for Halifax customers as they are faced with decisions regarding their financial future. At Ulster Bank we want to make this as easy as possible by offering them dedicated support at this crucial time."

She added that throughout next week, Monday to Friday February 15 to 20, they would be extending their opening hours at the Cavan branch from 10am to 7pm to meet with any Halifax customers from Cavan and surrounding areas that may have financial queries.

"We also have a dedicated Halifax Customer Welcome line on 1800-283052, which will be staffed by experienced Ulster Bank customer advisors."

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