BNZ jobs in city under review

Five positions at the Invercargill branch of Bank of New Zealand are under review as part of a national restructuring being undertaken by the bank.

According to First Union, which represents workers in the financial services sector, the move is expected to affect the jobs and hours of more than 100 tellers at 30 branches nationwide, with the changes already having taken effect in certain branches, while others were still at the consultation stage.

First Union communication and media officer Morgan Godfery said the union was deeply concerned about potential job losses under the plan, especially where it affects branches outside of the main centres.

‘‘Of course we’re concerned about the proposals at every branch, but the impact in provincial cities and towns is always greater than the impact in the big cities. In Auckland, there’s always the option of visiting another branch. But in places like Invercargill that isn’t always poss- ible if the branch is closed or its hours are reduced. Communities need their bank branch,’’ he said.

According to Godfery, the reduction in front-line staff expected under the restructure will not only have an impact on the employees involved but will also affect the level of customer service being provided, in spite of the increased uptake of online services.

A BNZ spokeswoman said the bank was currently unable to comment on any specifics of the restructuring, including which branches might be affected, as consultation was continuing.

‘‘We need to let the proper consultation process take place,’’ she said.

At present, the Invercargill branch is the only Southland branch expected to be affected by the current round of restructuring, with the Te Anau and Winton branches of BNZ already having undergone a reduction in operating hours earlier this year.

Both branches now operate limited hours during the week, with Te Anau open from 9am to 2pm weekdays, and Winton from 1pm to 4.30pm weekdays.