UNIONS have challenged bank chiefs to prove their commitment to avoid compulsory job losses after the announcement of 540 redundancies in Liverpool and Chester.

Halifax Bank of Scotland (HBoS)– now part of the Lloyds Banking Group – is axing its motor finance division with the loss of 910 full-time jobs across the country, affecting 985 full and part-time staff.

That includes 200 at their Speke offices on Estuary Commerce Park and 340 in Chester.

Rob MacGregor, national officer for Unite the Union, said: "Unite see this announcement as the first test for the newly-formed Lloyds Banking Group (LBG) to demonstrate its commitment to avoid compulsory redundancies.

"For the 985 people in LBG to learn that they are to lose their jobs will cause uncertainty for staff across the company.

"Unite the Union is calling for LBG to ensure that the integration programme concentrates on saving jobs and preventing redundancies.

"For some months now, the employees of the company have had to live with almost daily speculation about the security of their jobs and the long-term plans for the company.

"Today, the workforce must face the horrendous reality that integration will mean that some will lose their jobs.

"Unite is pressing for LBG to ensure there is full consultation with the union ahead of any decisions which will impact on employment levels across the group.

"The company must be creative in finding means of achieving cost savings, with re-deployment and re-training measures as central in its strategy to bring HBoS and LTSB staff together."