03/07/2013

Ulster Bank Jobs Cut

Hundreds of jobs are to go at Ulster Bank, as the group forsees up to 39 more branch closures by the end of 2014.

Ulster Banks plans to "significantly" reduce its workforce, from around 5,800 full-time staff to between 4,000 and 4,500 by 2016.

The news follows the 950 job losses announced in January 2012.

The move is part of the bank's plan to return to profit by 2016.

Irish finance union IBOA described the cuts as a "bolt from the blue".

IBOA general secretary Larry Broderick said: "While everyone is aware that Ulster Bank's parent, RBS, is in some disarray at the moment and its commitment to its Irish operation has been the subject of much speculation recently, I sometimes wonder if the senior management in Ulster Bank are deliberately trying to sabotage the bank's future by their cavalier approach to their customers and staff."

In a statement, Ulster Bank said: "We believe that, taking account the 950 reductions announced in early 2012, the remaining decrease in headcount should be met through natural attrition over the remaining course of the strategic plan.

"We continue to keep our costs under review."

Alliance East Belfast MLA Judith Cochrane said: "It is not yet clear how many of these job losses will be in Northern Ireland. I will be seeking an early discussion with Ulster Bank to see the full extent of the impact of this announcement on Northern Ireland and I will be urging Ulster Bank and its parent company RBS to see what can be done to save as many jobs as possible.

"In making this announcement, Ulster Bank has once again shown little regard for their employees and customers. A number of branches have already been closed by several banks and one has to worry about the out workings of this announcement and the effect it will have on the branch network and the ability of customers to access services."

(IT/CD)

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