Shouldn't the headline read: HBOS merger with Lloyds TSB may save 32,000 UK jobs.
Without a merger the headline could have read: HBOS collapse costs 72,000 UK jobs.
So there is a choice; loose 72,000 or save 32,000, sure loosing 40,000 jobs is bad but that is the best option in a bad situation.

Chris, Wellington, New Zealand

So, we should have two branches of the same bank on the same street? And of course a typical knee-jerk reaction from the self-interested unions, lest those paying their salaries is reduced.
A cull is the right word - overpopulation by desk based staff, serving too few people.

Richard, london, E

Matt, swindon,

It goes to show HBOS and Lloyds would be 0.00p in value like Northern Rock.

If it was not for this intervention

I guess I have to say Thank You to who ever is organising it as I use Halifax

Nicholas Iles, Oswestry, Shropshire, United Kingdom

As a member of HBOS staff I am quite appalled at the lack of communication - I was NOT told today that we would be looking at 40000 job losses. This is massive and no one seems that concerned.................except us obviously !

Emma, Manchester, UK

Well thought out Nat, Very considerate re the internet replacing the need for branches. I am sure old people who are not on-line will appreciate your comment! The reality is with post office closures old people need local branches even more and we are all getting older as a population.

Shirley, Southampton, UK

The economics of closing nearby branches is not as obvious as seems. Branch profitability is largely based on the years of building good banking customers. Closing a branch and losing only 5% of the customers removes any economic advantage. Job losses will occur, but slowly. Mike Crux, Herts

Mike Crux, Welwyn Garden City, England

The choice is clear. Either the government does a northern rock costing billions of pounds of tax payers money to keep Halifax afloat and let the merger go through even if it means loss of jobs. In the internet age the reality is fewer branches are needed.

Nat, New Malden, UK

It is still aprefered option to lose 40 000 jobs than have HBOS go down

Lec Neli, London, UK

So, we should have two branches of the same bank on the same street? And of course a typical knee-jerk reaction from the self-interested unions, lest those paying their salaries is reduced.
A cull is the right word - overpopulation by desk based staff, serving too few people.

Richard, london, England

Private sector cull sanctioned by Gordon Brown - NuLabour !

Nick, Bedford, UK

Do the Monopolies Commission or the Lloyds shareholders have any say in this or is it already a "done deal"

Dr Ray, Hereford,

Looking back over the past 10 years of Gordon's (mis-) management of the British economy I wonder if he is thinking to himself "what did I do wrong?" Not a chance.

albert hall, hove, england