Bank bonuses discovery raises concerns

NatWest and the Royal Bank of Scotland are said to reward staff who persuade people to take out big loans and the controversial payment protection insurance (PPI).

Teresa Perchard, director of policy at Citizens Advice, said “If staff know that they are going to earn more money for the more money they lend, it seems likely that the person’s ability to repay a loan would not be their first consideration.”

Her warning comes amid controversy over irresponsible lending by banks and action by the Office of Fair Trading over PPI, which offers very low payout rates for claims.

Yet with staff eligible for quarterly bonuses worth up to £1,200, it is likely that consumers will need to show caution over the loans and debt they take on from banks.

“Citizens Advice sees many cases of irresponsible lending and mis-selling of payment protection insurance and, all too often, the loan insurance is completely unsuitable or even useless,” added Ms Perchard in This is Money.