Barclays closing Cincinnati call center, laying off 252 employees
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM — British banking giant Barclays has announced the impending closure of its call center operations in Cincinnati’s Over-the-Rhine district, which is scheduled for September.
This move will result in the termination of 252 employees, as revealed in a notice to local and state officials.
The closure, detailed in a letter to Cincinnati and Ohio officials, is part of the bank’s compliance with the U.S. Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act of 1988. The layoffs are scheduled to begin on July 20 and conclude within a two-week period ending on September 13.
The affected employees, who are not unionized, have been informed that they will not be offered positions elsewhere within the company. However, the bank has yet to disclose the reasons behind the call center’s shutdown.
Employees left in the dark, facing uncertain future
The news has sent shockwaves through the community, particularly among the employees who now face an uncertain future. One employee, Tammy Williams, shared her abrupt dismissal experience, highlighting Barclays’s lack of communication and respect.
“There was no sign of respect, integrity, or even just caring about other people shown by Barclays,” Williams stated.
Her story reflects the broader sentiment of betrayal and concern among the workforce, many of whom are now grappling with the daunting task of finding new employment in a challenging job market.
Community support and resources for displaced workers
As the Over-the-Rhine community braces for the economic impact of this closure, local officials and organizations are rallying to provide support and resources to the displaced workers.
The focus is on offering career counseling, job placement services, and financial advice to those affected. Meanwhile, Barclays has expressed its intention to support the impacted employees with a range of benefits and resources for their transition, although specifics have yet to be detailed.
This closure not only marks the end of Barclays’ presence in Over-the-Rhine but also raises questions about the stability of job markets in the face of corporate restructuring and relocation.
