Union hopeful of Halifax future

Trade union UNITE said it is cautiously optimistic about the future of Halifax bank which is owned by Bank of Scotland (Ireland).

It has said that staff were informed of a “significant development” yesterday, which has prompted management to seek an extension to a review of the business currently underway by parent company Lloyds Banking Group.

The board of Bank of Scotland (Ireland) is examining the short-term sustainability of the business which made a loss of €250m last year.

Around 1,600 people are employed at the bank in Ireland.

Brian Gallagher of Unite said that workers have been very upset by reports that Halifax is to close,

“It was very downbeat for the last couple of weeks and people had thought that closure was inevitable. Now obviously we are cautiously optimistic that may not be the case now.”