Job Losses in Barclays in Cardiff

Part of 4. Topical Questions – in the Senedd at 3:35 pm on 20 June 2018.

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Photo of Ken Skates Ken Skates Labour 3:35, 20 June 2018

Well, I agree with the Member, and I think my comments so far suggest that her views and mine are fully aligned in questioning the business case and the rationale for the decision that's been announced. We should remember as well that it's not just workers in Cardiff who will be affected by this decision, but also in Coventry. Again, we need to question why it is that Barclays have decided to pursue the course of action of consolidating activities in a smaller number of centres in the UK, whilst, at the same time, essentially splitting two halves of the same service in Cardiff, which runs completely against what they're suggesting, which is that they would wish to see services consolidated in one area. And this is why I wish to see that assurance that the 250 roles are going to be remaining in Cardiff. I want that promise set in concrete, as I said. I wish to have clarity as well over what appears at the moment to be that contradiction that has emerged from Barclays, saying that they wish to consolidate into a fewer number of centres in the UK, whilst also splitting services across two distinct geographical areas. To me, it does not make sense. I wish to have clarity over that, and I think the workforce deserve clarity as well.