Barclays Bank to axe 1,700 jobs

The bank confirmed its plan to axe 1,700 jobs throughout 2014.

16:24 15 November 2013

1,700 employees who are currently working for Barclays Bank will lose their jobs in 2014.

Commenting on the move, a Barclays spokesman said: "The way in which our customers access their banking services is changing rapidly.

"More and more people are choosing to use smartphones and technology for everyday transactions - using branches only when they need access to expertise.

"We are responding by investing in the channels that customers are increasingly using, whilst improving customer service."

Meanwhile, Barclays staff said the move is a “colossal mistake.”

Unite national officer Dominic Hook said: "These employees deliver high levels of service that customers of the bank benefit from. Such a massive reduction will be very detrimental to the bank and will also be hugely challenging for the staff remaining.

"Unite is pressing Barclays to reconsider this proposal for the sake of its reputation for high customer service. Consumers want to engage with knowledgeable, highly experienced, professional staff. By taking 1,700 of the workforce away, Barclays risks massive reputational damage."