by Jenni Horn and Rhona Pinkerton

medwaymessenger@thekmgroup.co.uk

Lloyds Banking Group is to close its customer service centre in Medway with the loss of more than 200 jobs.

The lease on the former Halifax building at Pegasus House in Chatham Maritime was due to run out at the end of the year. Any job cuts will take effect by the end of November.

Ged Nichols, general secetary at union Accord, said: “Today’s announcement is devastating news for the workforce and the local economy of the Medway towns.

"These jobs are well-paid and provide good employment in an area of the country that is already suffering from above-average unemployment rates.

"Accord argued with LBG to try to preserve the operation, but, ultimately they decided to press on with closure.

Audio: Ged Nichols, general secretary at union Accord

“However, under an agreement that Accord has secured with the Bank, alternative roles will be sought for staff in other LBG operations throughout the Medway, Dartford and North West Kent locations, including the City Park Office in Gillingham and Black Horse House in Tonbridge.

“Accord have made it absolutely clear to LBG that we expect them to work the union to do everything possible to avoid compulsory redundancies.

“Accord officials will be on site on June 4 to talk to listen to members, to take their views and to support them through this difficult time.”

Paul Lawe, head of mortgage operations, within Lloyds Banking Group, retail division, said: "We fully recognise that the closure of any of our sites is difficult news for colleagues working there.

"We are committed to working through the changes in Pegasus House with our colleagues carefully and sensitively and will seek to use natural turnover and redeployment wherever possible."

For more on this story visit www.medwaymessenger.co.uk