LLOYDS Banking Group (LBG) announced plans to close its Speke office in Liverpool today.

Staff at the office, which employs 500 workers, have been told that they must travel to Chester instead, their union Unite said. 

The union noted that many of the employees wish to stay in Liverpool, where they have long served the bank.

Unite national officer Dominic Hook said: “The impact of the longer commute to Chester for colleagues is huge. 

“While some workers in Speke do currently work from home, a substantial number still do need to travel into the centre for work. 

“The refusal of LBG to open an alternative Liverpool office is completely unjustified and damaging. 

“Poor communication of the site closure has added insult to injury, with management telling staff of the decision by email.

“The loss of important jobs from Liverpool is a blow.” 

A Lloyds spokesman said: “In line with our commitment to enhancing our property estate, we are creating fewer, better-equipped, modern and sustainable offices to suit the future of our business.”