Citibank to create 500 jobs in Belfast in a day of mixed news for banks
Bank of Ireland said, as part of its cost-efficiency plans across its operations, it is to “consolidate” and move 270 positions in business support activities from Belfast and London to its existing operations in Dublin and Bristol. The move is part of an overall reduction of 750 positions across the bank’s businesses in Ireland and internationally.
“The planned changes, which are subject to consultation with affected staff, would ensure the business support activities involved are delivered in a manner that optimises operational efficiency and capability,” Bank of Ireland said in a statement. “They form part of the bank’s EU approved restructuring plan announced in July 2010, which provided clarity on the future shape of Bank of Ireland group.”
Finance union IBOA said it would be pushing the bank to honour the commitment given in July that any redundancies as part of its efficiency drive would be on a voluntary basis.
“Job cuts not only affect those who leave – but also those who remain,” said IBOA general secretary, Larry Broderick. “IBOA’s aim is always to protect both – by securing the best possible redundancy terms and by ensuring any potential adverse impact on continuing staff is kept to an absolute minimum.”
Meanwhile, Citibank has confirmed it is to create 500 jobs, including 440 “high-quality” roles in the technology and operations divisions, over the next five years. The remainder of the positions will be in the legal and compliance division.
The creation of the new posts in Belfast’s Titanic quarter will raise the global bank’s employee numbers in Belfast to 1,000.
