Ms Elizabeth Arnett:

When the news of our departure first broke, all of us went through shock. People get used to the idea and then start looking to the future. Throughout that entire period we have had to recognise the uncertainty about the withdrawal, including the lack of dates because we had not made decisions about certain things that needed to happen, such as when we asked customers to move their accounts, when we finished deals with the sale of assets, when we closed our branches etc. We have had to balance these competing priorities of making sure we can provide the best care for our customers and at the same time recognising this is extremely challenging for colleagues. We have had a good solid programme of engagement. We have engaged with colleagues on everything that is happening, explaining why we cannot give certainty and what are the sorts of triggers that need to happen before we can be clear with colleagues as to what their personal circumstances and dates would be.

As Ms Howard alluded to, inasmuch as we possibly can we are front-running. Different colleagues will have different formal or statutory notice periods, but as much as we possibly can, we are laying out the pathway over a longer period of time, well beyond the three months' or even six months' notice period so that colleagues can start planning for themselves. Knowing that they will be here for another six months or another year allows them to understand the things they need to do for their career now in order to be ready for that departure.

We have an extensive programme of upskilling, professional qualifications and training for colleagues. People working in a bank get a diverse range of experience. They do not necessarily want to move into another bank; there are many other opportunities for colleagues. We have been very open to ensuring that colleagues are thinking along those lines and making sure they are availing of all the additional training and supports to bring them to the end of their career with Ulster Bank with the best possible opportunity to move on to whatever they want to do. A year ago, one colleague left to train as a midwife. There are many different opportunities for people and we have been encouraging people to think differently about it. Without doubt, certainty as to when the change will happen is the most important thing for colleagues. We are now in a very good position. As of last week we have been able to set out the departure date for our branch colleagues. Most other colleagues will have an idea of when they will be departing this year. That has been very important. We acknowledge that it has been a long time coming. It has been two years almost to the day since we announced our withdrawal and yet we have only just been able to give absolute certainty to our front-line colleagues as to when they will leave. They have done an amazing job under those very difficult circumstances and we all very much appreciate that.