Lloyds cuts 650 jobs and axes Halifax agencies

30 June 2010 | By Natalie Thomas

Halifax has a number of Halifax-branded agencies, based in solicitors and estate agencies. They are not bank branches.

The agencies will now close on a phased basis between October 4 and November 12 2010.

It also plans to close its insurance site in Nottingham and some role reductions at various group locations, including Chester. Some of these roles will be relocated to a number of the group’s other sites including Warrington and Speke.

The retail division has agreed in principle a new arrangement with the Post Office. Under the outline terms agreed with the Post Office, Halifax savings and banking customers will, be able to deposit cash and cheques at approximately 12,000 Post Offices counters.

David Nicholson, managing director of Halifax Community Bank, says: “The number of independent agencies has declined significantly in recent years. Following the completion of a strategic review, we have now taken the difficult decision that the agencies are no longer integral to our business model.

“We have thought very carefully about the potential impact today’s announcement of the phased closure programme may have on our Agency customers. We have deliberately strengthened our relationship with the Post Office to increase the range of transactions Halifax customers can carry out. For the first time, customers will be able to make deposits into their account by visiting the Post Office.

“We have good, longstanding relationships with our independent agency partners. I would like to thank them for the contribution they have made to our business and to serving our customers. We will work closely with them throughout this process.”

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