Union hits out at Barclays job cuts

Union leaders described news of a further 140 banking job losses as "appalling" yesterday, saying there was now a "drip-feed" of cuts.

Unite attacked Barclays over the loss of posts in its corporate department, complaining the announcement had come soon after 500 job cuts.

"The news that the Barclays corporate function is to cut 140 staff just two months after 500 people lost their jobs is appalling. Unite finds this drip-feeding of job cuts unacceptable," Unite's David Fleming said. Unite said the main areas affected by the cuts were Birmingham, London, Poole and Reading.

A Barclays spokesman said: "As has been previously announced, as part of the One Barclays strategy, we are taking measures to increase efficiency by combining some back-office functions, removing duplication and reducing costs."