HSBC jobs to go in Kent as bank sheds hundreds of staff
16:08, 23 April 2013
updated: 16:23, 23 April 2013
HSBC is to cut banking jobs in Kent after announcing it is to shed more than 1,100 staff across the UK.
The bank is cutting a total of 3,166 roles, but after creating 2,017 new jobs, the net loss is likely to be 1,149.
In a statement, HSBC declined to say just how many jobs in Kent and Medway would go, but said: "We have not announced regional splits of those affected. However, as the largest group of employees affected by the changes are branch-based, it is likely that a number of employees in Kent will unfortunately be impacted."
Most of the other changes will affect the wealth business advisers, who will take on consumer retail banking roles. HSBC said they reflected the "changing nature of customer behaviour and regulation".
The roles of commercial financial advisers will end. The proposals also require the role of HSBC's premier relationship managers to be diploma qualified. This means axing the 942 relationship managers who do not give financial advice.
The bank will also be launching a wealth learning programme to support all colleagues who wish to achieve their diploma qualification.
The bank is also making changes to some roles within its commercial banking business as it looks to support growing exporting businesses. As a result, the bank will be reducing the number of its business specialist roles and increasing the number of its international business managers across the country.
Chief executive Brian Robertson said: "I understand change is always unsettling, particularly for those directly affected.
"However, I also firmly believe what we are proposing is essential in order for us to fulfil our customers' expectations. With the banking behaviour of our customers continually evolving we must change our business to meet their needs.
"We are doing everything possible to offer impacted employees opportunities from the many newly created roles, and I'm confident a significant majority will remain with the bank."
Latest news
Features
Most popular
- 1
Pedestrian killed in M2 crash involving ‘number of vehicles’
4 - 2
Lorry bursts into flames on roundabout approach
3 - 3
‘This Christmas market is truly magical - but there’s just one problem’
22 - 4
Inside Kent’s newest B&M store in former Wilko
5 - 5
Delays after tank strapped to lorry hits railway bridge
7