AIB ponders outsourcing of up to 32 roles in Sandyford

AIB is considering outsourcing certain activities at its mailing centre in Sandyford, Co Dublin, which could impact about 32 staff there.

The bank confirmed to The Irish Times that an "ongoing review" of functions at the printing and distribution centre is under way but that "no decisions"on its future had yet been made.

It is understood that AIB has run a tender process with a number of firms pitching for this work, which involves issuing credit cards and printing bills. It also involves a significant contract with An Post, which would be unaffected by any outsourcing move.

AIB might also have to seek clearance from the Central Bank for such a move. Responsibility for outsourced activities remains with a regulated firm and this has been flagged as an enforcement priority by the Central Bank for 2015.

This is the latest outsourcing move by AIB. In January, it announced plans to outsource 170 staff in its IT division – in telecoms, operations security, and hosting and storage. The bank, which is 99.8 per cent owned by the State, wants to outsource these roles to Eircom, Integrity and Wipro. The plan is still under negotiation.

Larry Broderick, general secretary of the Irish Bank Officials Association, said the bank had confirmed to the union that it is looking at its options in Sandyford.