Edinburgh West MP seeks meeting with RBS over job losses

May 16, 2013 7:01 pm

Comments from both the MP and MSP for Edinburgh West today.

Mark Lazarowicz MP reacted strongly to the news today that the largely Government-owned RBS is to cut 1,400 jobs from its retail arm with the bulk of the redundancies at the head office at Gogarburn

Mark said:-“This is a body blow to staff at RBS at what is a difficult time for anyone looking for work. I have been in touch with union officials in support of the staff and I will be seeking a meeting with senior management to discuss the redundancies. At the meeting I will be asking for a clear indication of future employment plans for the bank’s Edinburgh operations and assurances that these job losses are not part of a policy of outsourcing.

“The Chairman and Chief Executive of RBS claimed recently that the financial restructuring of the bank was largely over and that the Government could start preparing to return RBS to the private sector. That should not be at the expense of hard working employees, many of whose colleagues have already paid the price of the failure of management at the bank in the years prior to the financial crisis through losing their jobs.”

Commenting on the announcements surrounding the RBS job cuts, Colin Keir, MSP for Edinburgh Western, said:-“This is devastating news and I understand that the bank have spoken to the Scottish Government who are acting as quickly is as possible to ensure that appropriate support can be brought in to minimise the impact and soften the blow for the people concerned.

“The staff facing this terrible news are not the ones who caused the crisis at RBS but members of staff with mortgages and everyday budgets and expenses – and many of them are my constituents. I met RBS this afternoon and have discussed how they will support staff through this difficult time.

“Whilst this news is deeply disappointing the long term investment being announced for Gogarburn, highlights the strength of business locating in Scotland, and I hope this will increase long term security for RBS employees. My thoughts are with the people who are experiencing losses today.”