The Co-op Bank has announced today that it plans to cut 350 jobs and close 18 branches nationwide as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
The lender said the job cuts would focus on middle management positions and roles at the Manchester city centre head office.
The branch closures are expected to be completed by 1st December and come after an analysis of footfall in each store, which was actually said to have begun before lockdown was put in place. The bank has said it hopes to re-deploy some of its employees into other parts of the business and it begins consulting with staff and unions.
It has been confirmed that the Ashton-under-Lyne branch is the only branch in the Greater Manchester region that is set to close.
DCPFGY / The Co-op Bank
Andrew Bester – Chief Executive at Co-op Bank – said: “Our people have shown great dedication and commitment to our customers over the past few months, so we are very sorry to announce this news today. Unfortunately, we’re not immune to the impact of recent events, with the historically low base rate affecting the income of all banks and a period of prolonged economic uncertainty ahead, which means it’s important we reduce costs and have the right-sized operating model in place for the future.
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“At the same time, we are responding to the continuing shift of more and more customers choosing to bank online, with lower levels of transactions in branches, a trend which has been increasing for some time, across the banking sector and more broadly.”
The company added that is is “writing to affected customers to provide information about the alternative options available to them, including Post Office counter services, telephone, online and mobile banking”.
This is a breaking news story – More to follow.
Business
Co-op is offering shoppers £10 discounts as a ‘thank you’ following its cyber attack
Emily Sergeant
Co-op is offering shoppers £10 discounts to say ‘thank you’ for their cooperation during the recent cyber attack disruption.
Last month, the supermarket retailer’s stock was massively affected due to what was described as ‘malicious attempts by hackers to access [its] systems’, leaving shelves of stores across the UK bare, and payments by shoppers disrupted.
The company called it a ‘highly complex situation’, and also confirmed that hackers stole personal data – including members’ names and contact details.
The Co-op was just one business to be hit by cyber attacks this year, with other major ones affecting several other retailers like Marks & Spencer and Harrods.
Co-op is offering shoppers £10 discounts as a ‘thank you’ following its cyber attack / Credit: Co-op (via Flickr)
Now that Co-op’s 2,300 food stores nationwide have successfully returned to usual trading, the retailer wants to show gratitude to its 6.5 million members who supported the business while the attack was taking place.
To say ‘thank you’, Co-op is offering its members a 25% discount on a £40 shop, meaning they can get £10 off their purchases.
“I’m very proud that, thanks to the work of our colleagues, we are very near to making a full and complete recovery from the recent cyberattack on our Co-op,” commented Co-op’s Managing Director of Food, Matt Hood, “and I’m delighted to see our stores looking back to normal and being able to serve our shoppers and communities.
“We are so grateful to our member owners for their support and patience with us during what was a very difficult time.
“I hope this gesture of appreciation goes a little way to showing them our thanks, with more value rewards to come over the summer.”
The 25% offer runs from today (Wednesday 18 June) right through to 24 June at all Co-op stores across the UK, and it can only be used by members one time.
Plans for a new cultural hub in Wythenshawe have been green-lit
Danny Jones
Proposals for a new cultural hub in Wythenshawe have officially been approved, with the overall regeneration plans valued somewhere in the region of £500 million.
The Greater Manchester town has long been accused of being neglected by local authorities and investors, but now natives and those living in and around the area are being asked to consult on what has the potential to be a huge transformation.
Wythenshawe town centre could look almost unrecognisable should everything go according to plan, not to mention inject a much-needed boost to the arts and creative industries in the area.
Put simply, this could be huge for a place long overlooked and deserving of some TLC.
Credit: Manchester City Council
The simply titled ‘Culture Hub’ will aim to create a new community outlet and environment for everyone to enjoy, allowing them access to professional facilities and support, as well as further tap into that vital grassroots culture and creativity.
While the UK government has a total of £4.8bn set aside for infrastructure and regional disparity works that fall under the initiative, the Culture Hub was set to cost £20m back then, though Wythenshawe is looking for an estimated half a billion to upgrade their town centre.
As per an official press release, the hub is set to sit within Civic – Wythy’s much-loved shopping complex – and will include space for food and drink on the ground floor, as well as a mix of artist studio spaces and flexible areas for workshops, exhibitions, classes or local events on the first floor.
The Council itself is set to contribute a further £11.9m, as they hope to back future plans for a bustling new food hall spilling out onto an updated public square, with new workspaces for independent start-ups and growing Manc businesses.
Credit: MCC
Meanwhile, a new 200-seater performance space will be created on the second floor, “providing a backdrop for a diverse range of performances, whether it’s dance or drama, music or modern art, there’ll be something for everyone.”
As touched upon, a larger public square will also be included, with improved outdoor areas, new paving and, crucially, more trees, plants and green spaces to make the town centre a much more natural, vibrant and welcoming space.
Private construction company Muse was appointed as the development partner for the new cultural hub and further Wythenshawe town centre regeneration initiative back in August 2024; as a local firm, they have a heavily vested interest in the 30,000 sq ft site and the surrounding area.
Work on the Culture Hub is due to commence this autumn, with the opening scheduled for some time in early 2027 – touch wood.
Credit: Manchester City Council (MCC)
Councillor Gavin White, who serves as an executive member on Manchester City Council’s executive housing and development team, said:“The Culture Hub planning approval is a really exciting milestone in the long-term regeneration of Civic.
“This is a statement of intent of how serious we are about investing in Wythenshawe’s town centre – and this is an early sign of what is to come. We want to build on the destination potential of Civic, create opportunities for local people and visitors to spend time in the area, and widen the offer for our residents to enjoy and participate in the arts right on their doorstep.
“High streets are the soul of our communities and we are investing heavily in our town centres across the city, including Gorton and Moston, to celebrate how they bring people together, support businesses and help grow local economies.
“This is just the start for Wythenshawe, and the conversation we are having with local people is ongoing to make sure we can be guided by the very people who live and work in this community. I’d urge as many people as possible to tell us what they think about the future of their area.”
Joe Stockton, senior development manager at Muse, added:“Getting the green light for the new Culture Hub is a major milestone in our once-in-a-generation plans to work with local people to transform Wythenshawe town centre.
“The feedback that we’ve received so far for the hub has been really positive with many seeing it as a creative space where people and groups of all ages can spend time, learn new skills and explore culture in a positive way.”
“We look forward to getting started on construction later this year, which we hope the people of Wythenshawe will see as a significant sign of our intent to drive this project forward with their ongoing support.”
The Manc -
25th August 2020 
