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Barclays lobbied over jobs threat Barclays lobbied over jobs threat
(about 6 hours later)
A UK bank is under political pressure to reverse a move to shed 350 jobs in Glasgow and relocate them to Cardiff.A UK bank is under political pressure to reverse a move to shed 350 jobs in Glasgow and relocate them to Cardiff.
Scotland's Finance Secretary John Swinney this week lobbied John Varley, Barclays chief executive, and urged him to reconsider the closure plan. Scotland's Finance Secretary John Swinney has this week lobbied Barclays chief executive John Varley, and urged him to reconsider the move.
At the end of last year Barclaycard announced proposals to relocate its Barclays Partner Finance operations. Barclaycard announced proposals at the end of last year to relocate its Barclays Partner Finance operations.
A bank spokesman said a consultation on the move had a month still to run and no final decision had been made.A bank spokesman said a consultation on the move had a month still to run and no final decision had been made.
However, it is understood that recruitment has begun for the jobs in Wales.However, it is understood that recruitment has begun for the jobs in Wales.
The BBC understands that during the consultation staff in Scotland had challenged the case for moving operations to Cardiff, arguing instead that the bank could save money by bringing the Welsh operation to Glasgow. The BBC understands that, during the consultation, staff in Scotland had challenged the case for moving operations to Cardiff, arguing instead that the bank could save money by bringing the Welsh operation to Glasgow.
Made redundant
A bank spokesman declined to say if that alternative plan is being considered, stating only that the final decision has not been made.
The pressure comes in the same week that Barclays reported pre-tax profits of more than £11bn.
But its Firstplus loans business, based in Cardiff, has been run down during the recession.
Firstplus is being merged with Glasgow-based Barclays Partner Finance, also part of the Barclaycard division, and continues to provide loans to shoppers at the point of sale.
However, nearly all the 350 Glasgow staff are expected to be made redundant by the summer, following the announcement in early December of the merged operation.
Up to 300 staff could be recruited in Cardiff to continue the lending role.
Barclays Partner Finance provides point of sale finance through more than 3,000 partners across the UK.Barclays Partner Finance provides point of sale finance through more than 3,000 partners across the UK.