ANZ Bank Apologises After Staff Learn of Job Cuts Through Mistaken Email
ANZ, one of Australia’s largest banks, has apologised to employees after some staff were mistakenly informed they had lost their jobs through an automated email.
The message, which instructed recipients to return company equipment such as laptops, was sent ahead of schedule as the bank moves forward with a restructure of its retail banking division.
Bruce Rush, ANZ’s retail banking executive, admitted the situation was mishandled. “It was not our intention to communicate such sensitive news in this way, and I apologise unconditionally,” he wrote in a follow-up email to employees.
The Financial Sector Union condemned the incident, saying the premature notice caused “panic and distress” among staff. Union president Wendy Streets accused ANZ of pushing through a “chaotic pace of change” without consulting workers. “Speed and cost-cutting cannot come at the expense of dignity and respect for workers,” she said.
Once the error was identified, ANZ halted the emails, convened a virtual meeting to answer questions, and moved forward formal discussions with affected staff. The bank emphasised its commitment to treating employees with dignity throughout the organisational changes.
Chief executive Nuno Matos later described the mishap as “indefensible” and “deeply disappointing,” confirming that an internal review of the incident was underway.
The episode adds to a growing list of companies facing backlash for the way they have handled layoffs. In 2021, US mortgage firm Better came under fire when its chief executive fired 900 workers during a single Zoom call, later admitting the move was poorly executed.
