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Bank staff are suspended after thousands claimed for boozing

BANKING giant RBS, part-owned by the taxpayer, has suspended two senior workers over claims of staff boozing sessions that cost it thousands of pounds.

Drinks bills said to have been charged to expenses included an office Prosecco trolley, a hen do and nights out for birthdays.

While picking up one tab, a manager allegedly raised a glass saying: “A toast to us… and the fabulous people at RBS”.

Cocktail bar bills are said to have been charged to the bank as “entertaining clients” or “rewarding employees”.

A whistleblower claims the alleged abuses took place in the key OneConnect unit, which handles business clients for RBS subsidiary NatWest.

They claim bogus overtime payments for staff were also signed off. It is understood the amount of money misspent may run into five figures.

RBS, taken under Government control in 2008 after losing £24billion, is 62 per cent owned by the Treasury.

The source said: “Nights out drinking champagne were basically sponsored by the taxpayer. It’s crazy these things are still happening.”

RBS launched a probe in November into the Birminghambased unit, which has some 60 staff.

The source added: “You’d be speaking to customers while watching people walking up and down with glasses of Prosecco.

“There was a split in the office. Some would be drinking, while others just sat watching them have a whale of a time.”

A third staff member was also investigated but resigned in December. Denying involvement in false claims, the 44-year-old said: “The Prosecco trolley was a reward and recognition thing. It was done across the business.” RBS said: “RBS has a clear policy around corporate cards, expense claims, and overtime claims. An internal investigation is under way.”