HUNDREDS of workers at MBNA Chester's Wrexham Road site face an uncertain future after parent company Lloyds Banking Group (LBG) announced a massive restructure.

A total of 88 people are at immediate risk of redundancy at the Chester-based credit card firm as part of plans to integrate the firms more and ultimately create thousands of digital jobs.

More than 400 more workers are expected to lose their jobs at Cawley House and LBG sites across the UK through preferencing and selection processes as the restructure unfolds over the coming months.

But while the LBG national overhaul will see the closure of its commercial banking operation in Gillingham, with a net loss of 200 jobs, Chester's Cawley House will “continue to be a key location for the Group going forward in the North West.”

MBNA has been part of Lloyds Banking Group (LBG) since the takeover from Bank of America was completed in June 2017.

LBG recently announced it is creating 2,000 extra digital jobs as a result of its restructure but added there would be “role reductions for MBNA colleagues”, during a three-year process which Unite the Union national officer Rob McGregor said would involve “significant job losses”.

LBG, which is working with unions Unite and Accord during the restructuring process, said it would invest in and retrain colleagues, increasing training hours by 50 per cent.

The firm added it has committed to 4.4 million hours in training over the next three-year plan to 2020.

In addition, LBG confirmed it would be investing in an extensive refit and refurbishment at the Cawley House site.

Mr McGregor said: “It’s going to be a period of significant upheaval.

“Cawley House will continue but may be at the expense of other locations in the North West. Some may close and staff may get transferred but it’s going to be a long process and the job losses will be significant.

“We represent workers at MBNA and expect to be fully consulted for any changes and for them to respond to our wishes. We need to be pragmatic on making these changes.

“They say about investment in training and we will hold them to that. We are going to make sure that is implemented in full down to the last penny.

“This process should not be at the expense of their jobs. Any reductions should be on a purely voluntary basis.”

Ged Nichols, Accord's general secretary, added: "It is very difficult, at this time of year, not knowing whether they have got jobs next year."

A Lloyds Banking Group spokesperson said: “Lloyds Banking Group has announced that it will create an additional c.2,000 roles, as it strengthens its capability to offer customers new leading-edge digital banking products and services.

“The Group is investing to further digitise the bank and will refresh some existing roles and create new roles within its structure, while also providing comprehensive retraining for colleagues to help them build their capabilities to meet the demands of these future roles.

“This forms part of the £3 billion commitment the Group has made to invest heavily in its technology and people over the course of its three-year strategic plan.”

The restructure announcement does not affect branch staff or branches.

MBNA opened its European HQ in Chester in 1993, employing just 72 staff.

It grew into one of the most recognisable credit card brands and was bought by Bank of America in 2005.

LBG announced it was to take over the firm in December 2016, a process successfully completed by the following June.

MBNA has been a big supporter of sporting groups and events in Chester, having sponsored the shirts of Chester FC players since the football club reformed in 2010, and sponsoring the Chester Marathon since it began in 2010.