Northern Rock staff

The Unite general union, which represents staff at Northern Rock, is demanding recognition as a stakeholder in the future of the bank, which has been dependent on emergency government funding to survive.

The union demand for recognition as a stakeholder in the bank is part of an employee charter it has drawn up. It is also calling for long term job security for employees, and protection for their employment and pension arrangements. The work of the Northern Rock Foundation should continue, Unite added, and the company should be retained as a UK listed company. Graham Goddard, Unite deputy general secretary, said: “Regardless of who owns the bank, Unite expects them to support this employee charter”.