PARIS, Feb 24, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – French banking group Societe Generale is
planning to cut 1,500 positions in its BFI corporate and investment banking
arm, Le Figaro newspaper reported on Saturday.
Citing internal bank documents, the paper said the bank was looking at two
scenarios, both of which envisage 1,500 job cuts worldwide, with around 700
of them in France.
The company said in a statement on Saturday it was still reviewing
activities in its corporate and investor client business so it was not
possible to comment on the impact on jobs.
“We have an ongoing dialogue with our unions and will consult them on our
projects and their impact as soon as the review is completed in the coming
weeks,” the bank said.
French CGT union representative Philippe Fournil could not confirm the
information, but said the bank’s management had on Thursday indicated it was
still reviewing activities within that business.
The review is part of a plan to reduce costs by 500 million euros ($567
million), the bank said earlier this month on announcing its financial
results.
Fournil said its management had pledged to get back to the union within “4
to 8 weeks” with more details.
Societe Generale reported higher-than-expected profits in 2018 but said it
would adjust its targets and those of its investment bank for next year
anticipating financial headwinds ahead.