A MAJOR shake-up at bank branches across East Lancashire looks set to lead to job losses.

But bosses at Barclays said every effort would be made to offer alternative work to employees affected in its 17 local branches.

The bank is planning to centralise the work currently carried out by telephonists and administrative workers in individual branches into processing and call centres across the country.

The bank said staff affected in local branches will be offered alternative employment or redundancy packages. "It is very early days and it may be that everyone will be able to take alternative jobs within Barclays," said a spokesman.

"But it may be that some people will want to take advantage of a good package we are offering."

The spokesman could not put a figure on the possible numbers of jobs involved.

Bank workers' union UNIFI is supporting the centralisation programme.

"We have been fully consulted by Barclays over its proposals and we have worked hard with them to ensure that staff are treated fairly and sympathetically and that there are a number of options for those who wish to stay with Barclays," said the union.

Processing work carried out at individual branches will be centralised at a centre in Preston over the next 18 months.