Unifi, Britain's biggest banking union, signed a deal yesterday to allow Barclays Bank to send thousands of jobs offshore.

Under the deal, Barclays will give workers three months' notice of redundancy as well as three months' paid leave when they are formally laid off.

"It allows the management of the business to maximise its future strategic options and recognises the responsibilities the union has in representing its members," commented trade secretary Patricia Hewitt.