LLOYDS Banking Group has said it is considering extending the use of cloud technology amid claims by a trade union that the bank is looking to move staff to IBM to reduce costs.

Lloyds Trade Union claimed the bank will outsource large parts of its estate to IBM in a deal worth £1.3 billion over seven years. The union said the deal would see up to 1,900 staff would be outsourced to IBM.

A spokesman said: “We are considering options to extend use of cloud technology in pursuit of the Group’s aim to be the best bank for customers. We do not comment on speculation, and if any decisions are made they will be communicated to our colleagues first.”