New round of reduncancies in Danske Bank

Chairman of Finansforbundet in Danske Bank, Kirsten Ebbe Brich, says about today's announcement:

“I am deeply concerned on behalf of the colleagues who have been made redundant, and I feel for those who have been informed today that their position is being closed. All affected members in Denmark have had a union representative from Finansforbundet in Danske Bank on their side. In addition, we invite them to information meetings where we review their situation, offer legal advice, and give them the opportunity to participate in online networks.” 

Now it is an important task for Danske Bank to take care of those who remain. The workload is already heavy, and it will be vital to prioritise tasks carefully.

“I am deeply concerned that the remaining employees will experience an increased workload and thus have less opportunity to develop their skills and work with new tools,” she says, and elaborates:

“We know from the latest well-being survey from Finansforbundet that employees working with personal customer advice are among the most pressured. But of course, we will keep a close eye on the entire organisation following today’s announcement,” she says. 

The redundancies are affecting a broad range of the organisation and to an extent that gives rise to concern.

“I am frustrated that it is once again necessary to make such extensive redundancies. It was only three months ago that the bank completed a similar round. We hear from our employees that this creates uncertainty and insecurity, which can lead to poor well-being and may cause some of the remaining employees to seek employment elsewhere,” says Kirsten Ebbe Brich.

Among other things, the bank identifies technological progress as an explanation for the redundancies.

“I’m not concerned about new tools, automation, and AI – quite the opposite. But I am very focused on Danske Bank using AI strategically and creating real value. What I see right now is that AI is quickly being linked to cost savings. We would rather see the benefits of AI used to improve customer advice rather than being used solely for savings,” she says. 

She warns to reduce staff too early in the technological development:

“When Danske Bank starts cutting staff, it risks removing the knowledge and business understanding that AI relies on.”

This can lead to a negative spiral with poorer solutions, more errors, and additional pressure to increase efficiency. It is not just an employee issue – it is a real business risk.

“We risk a ‘race to the bottom’, where we compete on price rather than on quality and relationships. This may improve key figures in the short term, but in the long term it weakens Danske Bank's competitive position", she says. 

The redundancies affect all parts of Danske Bank, mostly though in Personal Customers, Group Compliance, CFO, Financial Crime Risk & Prevention, and Technology & Services. 

👉 Read article on Headlines (only access from a Danske Bank-device) 

👉 It is always a great idea to contact a colleague who's being let go - read why 
 
👉 For leaders: Guide to assist the remaining colleagues 
  

LinkedIn-network
Are you among those being let go off, you have the opportunity to become part of a closed LinkedIn network

Here, Finansforbundet i Danske Bank collects knowledge and input to all of you who are temporarily unemployed.

We are continuously posting possible job opportunities, and you will also be able to find tips and tricks for CV writing and job applications.

👉 Be a part of the LinkedIn-network