By Own Correspondent

RAPID industrialization coming on the back digitization in the banking sector has once again struck employees at Nedbank Zimbabwe recently leaving 23 more workers jobless.

The banking sector continues to shed jobs with brands such as Steward Bank, CBZ Holdings having asked hundreds to face the exit door. Banks such as Stanchart have also given notice of imminent closure but assured that a new owner will be announced to proceed with operations.

Recently NedBank retrenched 23 workers, including 10 managers owing to a shift  in its strategic focus.

The workers affected by the compulsory retrenchment exercise, which took effect from August 1, are expected to be paid severance packages.

 “Since 2019, we have been conducting a review of manpower and skills requirements for our current and future business needs in line with our Strategic Workforce Plan (SWP). The above-mentioned SWP has been impacted by changing customer behaviour, new ways of work, process automation and the centralization of roles,” said the bank’s spokesperson, Mary-anne Kwidini.

“Our strategic workforce plan resulted in the redeployment of over 50 staff to roles which are in line with our evolved business needs.”

Kwidini said engagements were underway with the affected employees whose roles have become redundant, adding that the bank was ‘fully exercised about their welfare and compensation for their contribution to the bank.’

She said the bank is  mindful that this process will be difficult for all employees and as a result have organised counselling support services for those who will be leaving and those who will be remaining.

“We will be working hard to ensure that these changes are made with empathy,” she added