AIB to spend €1.6m on new staff uniforms

THOUSANDS of staff at AIB have been offered the chance to get a new uniform — just over two years since they last got one.

The bank, which is owned by the state, sent a memo to employees saying anyone who wants a new uniform can have one.

An AIB spokesman said: “Up to assistant manager level, staff in branches and other locations can wear the uniform. The last time the bank provided the opportunity for staff to replace garments was in January 2009.”

He would not say how many staff members will be eligible for the new uniform, nor would he say what the uniforms were costing. It is understood, however, that the new uniforms are being delivered to staff next week.

It is estimated that there could be as many as 8,000 staff throughout AIB’s retail division — which includes branches and business centres in Ireland, the North and Britain, as well as the company’s head office.

Based on these numbers, it has been estimated that replacing all the uniforms could cost as much as €1.6 million.

Director with moneycoach.ie Frank Conway said: “I think the majority of bank customers would prefer the money was used to reduce their fees and service charges as well as get back to lending to businesses and consumers.”

Bank of Ireland, meanwhile, when asked how often they replaced uniforms, made no comment other than: “Frontline staff in our branch network who are in customer-facing roles are encouraged to wear staff uniforms that are provided by the bank.”

The Government recently paid out the final €6.1 billion of the €14.8bn needed to recapitalise AIB.

Yesterday, the bank confirmed it was selling AIB JerseyTrust to Capita Group for €14.3m. Also this week, it said it was selling its outsourcing operation AIB International Financial Services to Capita for €33.1m.

AIB, once one of Ireland’s biggest banks, is almost fully state-owned after receiving enormous state bailouts. The group has already received more than €7.2bn in aid from the Government.