|
A number of jobs
could be created in Buncrana and Carndonagh in the
coming years with a new banking service launched at
the local post offices yesterday.
Postbank, a joint An Post/Fortis venture, commenced
trading in the two Inishowen towns yesterday,
joining 250 post offices around the country to get
the service.
The new service is expected to need a workforce of
500 people throughout the country within three
years.
A spokesperson said: "In addition to working with
existing post office staff, Postbank expects to have
a workforce of 500 people within three years. In
addition to the employees of One Direct and
PostPoint, Postbank will create over 100 new jobs
throughout the country this year."
Initial services will be based on two financial
products - demand deposit account and a guaranteed
investment product. Over the next year, the bank's
services will extend to include current accounts,
credit cards and ATM facilities.
Postbank chief executive Margaret Sweeney explained:
"It's only six months since the agreement to
establish Postbank was completed by Fortis and An
Post. I must pay tribute to the postmasters,
postmistresses and post office staff whose
enthusiasm for this project gives me great
confidence for its success."
The changes will allow post offices to grow their
business volumes and expand their services using the
latest in banking technology.
Retail banking services will be provided by a
combination of Postbank staff and post office
officials through its high street branch network.
Products will also be accessible directly over the
phone from the bank's Athlone based customer contact
centre. Meanwhile, a full online banking service
will follow the installation of the bank's new
technology platform.
Postbank is now available in Ballybofey,
Ballyshannon, Buncrana, Carndonagh, Donegal,
Letterkenny, Lifford and Raphoe.
|
