Ethics in the digital workplace
Digitisation and automation technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), can affect working conditions in a variety of ways and their use in the workplace raises a host of new ethical concerns.
On 10 May 2012 RBS (Royal Bank of Scotland) announced it will cut 500 jobs in the Netherlands in the coming one and a half year. Dismissals will affect mostly people employed in the administrative department (currently employing around 900 staff).
According to the bank representatives, the restructuring is due to the declining demand and need to cut costs. The bank reported a greater than expected loss in 2011.
The restructuring follows an earlier announcement in January 2012 to cut 3,500 jobs worldwide. Forced dismissals are not ruled out. The exact timing for the restructuring is yet to be announced.
Update 02.01.2013: The bank has already implemented 400 job cuts and is planning to cut an additional 500 jobs.
Eurofound (2012), Royal Bank of Scotland Netherlands, Internal restructuring in Netherlands, factsheet number 73635, European Restructuring Monitor. Dublin, https://restructuringeventsprod.azurewebsites.net/restructuring-events/detail/73635.