Halifax highlights colleague contribution during UK lockdown

16 April 2020

Tomorrow (Saturday 18 April), Halifax will showcase the hard work and dedication of its key worker colleagues across the UK, as they continue to provide front line support to customers with their banking needs throughout the Coronavirus lockdown .

A new advert, filmed by the colleagues over the last week whilst Government restrictions have been in place, shows them working in branches, call centres and at home, as they continue their vital roles helping customers navigate the financial uncertainty caused by the global pandemic.

Mahesh Patel, 36, is one of the friendly Halifax faces featured in the advert, continuing his role as the Branch Manager at Halifax Southgate branch in Osidge, North London.

Mahesh said: "Now more than ever I feel really proud to work for Halifax and be supporting customers at this difficult time. They seem very relieved to still be able to come in and see us, and show great care and appreciation for our efforts to support them, especially those whose financial circumstances have just changed overnight.

“Taking part in the advert was such a unique experience, especially getting to see how we could film it with just our mobile phones. I was delighted to represent my fellow colleagues, and our efforts to support customers through this period of uncertainty."

Mahesh lives at home in North West London with his wife, who is currently working from home, and his two elderly parents who are self-isolating.

It’s at times of adversity when you see the best in people and I am incredibly proud of our colleagues right across the country for their dedication at this challenging time. They are the heart and soul of Halifax and continue to show such commitment and compassion for customers despite the current circumstances. This is why we wanted to take the opportunity to showcase the effort colleagues are making to maintain their support for hundreds of thousands of families every day, whether that’s within a branch, call centre or from makeshift office space at home.

Russell Galley, Managing Director, Halifax

The premiere will be on Saturday 18th April during the ad break of Britain’s Got Talent on ITV.

Halifax has introduced a raft of measures to support customers impacted by Coronavirus including:

  • Payment holidays for up to three months on mortgages, loans and credit cards
  • No interest between 9th April and 9th July on first £500 of arranged overdrafts
  • Emergency access to savings in fixed term accounts without charge
  • A dedicated telephone service to support those over 70
  • An increased limit for paying in cheques via the mobile app – up to £1,000 per cheque and £2,000 total per day
  • The contactless limit on debit and credit cards increased to £45