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.
The Clydesdale and Yorkshire Bank is reported to be closing 79 of its branches, approximately one-third of its network, in response to changing patterns of customer usage. The decision will affect 400 employees; closures of the Clydesdale branches affect areas across Scotland, whereas closures of the Yorkshire branches affect areas in the north of England. The company has said that the move has been prompted by the trend towards electronic banking and the reduction in face to face transactions in its branches. A spokesperson for the Unite union noted that this would leave certain communities with much reduced choice. There is no information as yet about when the closures will take effect.
Eurofound (2017), Clydesdale and Yorkshire Bank, Internal restructuring in United Kingdom, factsheet number 89805, European Restructuring Monitor. Dublin, https://restructuringeventsprod.azurewebsites.net/restructuring-events/detail/89805.