Barclaycard to close Glasgow operation

BARCLAYCARD today announced it is to close an office in Scotland with the loss of around 350 jobs.

It will move the work done at loan centre Barclays Partner Finance in Glasgow to other sites around the UK.

The company confirmed the decision following a three-month consultation involving employees and other parties.

Staff will be offered transfers to other parts of the Barclay Group, including Barclays Wealth in Glasgow, and other forms of support.

New positions will be created at other UK centres, resulting in the net loss of around 50 jobs, the company said.

Neil Radley, managing director of International Consumer Lending at Barclaycard, said: "This has been a difficult decision to make and I understand how hard it is for our colleagues here in Glasgow.

"I've spoken to them today to explain our plans and to tell them about the comprehensive package of advice and support we'll make available to each and every one of them.

"We've spent time consulting with our people as well as other interested parties here in Glasgow, and around the UK, before making our final decision.

"Barclaycard is constantly reviewing how we work and although this is tough, it will ultimately ensure that we can use resources more effectively and efficiently."

The Glasgow operation, at Academy Park on the city's south side, handles loans arranged at the point of sale in shops.

It is expected it will close by this summer, with most of the work done there being transferred to Barclaycard's secured loans business in Cardiff.