Regional Brands Integration
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Plans for Dunfermline Branches are announced
The Society has announced its detailed proposals for the integration of the Dunfermline branches into the Nationwide branch network. The integration plans involve all Dunfermline branches and some Nationwide branches in locations where the merger of two branches is proposed.
Today’s announcement is the start of the consultation process in respect of the proposals relating to premises. This will include seven Dunfermline branches being re-branded as Nationwide and, in 19 locations, the integration of Dunfermline and Nationwide branches into one office (whichever is most suitable). The Society is also proposing to close four Dunfermline branches and the integration of a further two Dunfermline branches into a single office. This period of consultation will run during November.
Detailed individual consultation will take place in the New Year. It is currently proposed that the integration will take place in the Summer of 2014.
Union Support
The Union has been in consultation with Nationwide in respect of its integration plans since it announced its intentions in May 2013.
We have been working closely with the Society to identify ways to minimise the impact of the proposals on jobs and we are optimistic that this can be achieved. This will involve careful management of recruitment to ensure that opportunities are made available to affected employees. We have also secured a commitment from the Society that if redundancies are required it will seek preferences for voluntary redundancy. Redeployment and outplacement support will be available to all affected employees.
NGSU Individual Cases Officers (ICOs) will be visiting the branches tomorrow where closure is proposed to support our members through the consultation period. On-going support will be provided by our team of ICOs through the integration process. Tim Poil, General Secretary, and Karen Hughes, Regional Brands Officer, will continue to lead our collective consultation with Nationwide.
Members who are concerned about the integration plans can speak to our Individual Cases Officers on 01295 710767.
Cheshire and Derbyshire Branches
We know that members in Cheshire and Derbyshire branches will be watching the Dunfermline integration with interest and will be keen to find out how the integration will impact on them. We understand that the Society is planning to finalise and announce its detailed proposals early in the New Year.
IT and Business Change
Employees working in the IT and Business Change functions of all three Regional Brands are also affected by the integration plans. Discussions have started with these employees on the likely impacts and timescales of the integration. Karen Hughes, NGSU Regional Brands Officer has been involved in this process and is available to support members. Karen can be contacted on 01295 710767.
Tim Poil
General Secretary
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