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1st January 2010 - Happy New Year

I'm starting this message with a 'Happy New Year' in the hope that 2010 can't be much worse than 2009.  After all, a new year is the time to look forward with hope and expectation that things will be better.

That said, it's also a time for reflection.

There can't be many Accord members who won't be glad to see the back of 2009. The year started with the takeover of HBOS by Lloyds TSB to create the Lloyds Banking Group (LBG).  It ended with LBG publishing proposals to integrate terms and conditions of employment for HBOS and Lloyds TSB staff  which, if implemented as proposed, will result in a reduction in the future benefits for contributing members of final salary pension schemes amongst other things.  In between these two seismic events, LBG also announced around 15,000 job losses. 

Throughout this uniquely difficult period, Accord members have been expected to carry on with business as usual and meet both their employer's and their customers' expectations.  The Bank has already praised staff for doing this, which just goes to show what a remarkable and resilient spirit is there in the workforce. We must build upon that and an extended version of this message which sets out some of the choices and challenges ahead is here: New Year 2010 if you want to read it.

2010 will be a year of renewal for Accord which will demonstrate the vibrancy of our democratic processes and our Union.

  • On January 1st we opened the nomination processes for our President and Principal Executive Council elections for the 2010 - 2012 term of office. (More details are available at: Elections)
  • Later this month members will vote in the ballot on the proposed terms & conditions of employment.
  • In April, the Biennial Delegate Conference will set our agenda for the next two years.

So here's to 2010 and to the challenges it holds.

On behalf of Accord’s Principal Executive Council and staff, I wish all members a happy, healthy, peaceful and prosperous New Year.  

Ged Nichols
General Secretary

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