Begg attacks jobs cut decision

THE decision by the Bank of Ireland to axe 2,100 jobs was described as mercenary yesterday by the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) general secretary David Begg.

He said the cuts would be regrettable if business was bad, but it was inexcusable where the bank is making €1.3 billion profit a year.

"This decision is reflective of a mindset that places shareholder interests above all other stakeholders staff, customers, small business and communities.