Signage in Wales’ HSBC branches to become Welsh language first
Signage in Wales’ HSBC branches is to become Welsh language first, the bank has said.
It says it is working to make sure any new signage in branches in Wales is in Welsh first, as part of a move to boost the language.
It also wants to make sure that it can offer brochures and customer literature in Welsh.
This is part of an initiative that has been launched by HSBC UK for its staff to learn the Welsh language.
The banking giant said it will help branch staff in Wales learn or brush up on their Welsh language skills.
It says the initiative will tap into the skills and knowledge of fluent Welsh speakers in the bank, and will use online resources from the Government that have been produced in Wales to promote and facilitate the use of the language.
‘Welsh language alive’
Jackie Uhi, HSBC UK’s head of branch network, told PA: “We are extremely proud to have kept the Welsh language alive within our business in Wales.
“It is great to see use of the Welsh language become more prevalent in recent times, and as a service provider we are excited by the opportunity to engage more in Welsh, formalising the support we are able to give our customers across Wales.
“We want to give any customers wanting to speak Welsh that option, and I am pleased to see over 50 branch colleagues are working on improving their Welsh language skills to make that happen, with more colleagues expressing an interest in doing the same.
Support our Nation today
For the price of a cup of coffee a month you can help us create an independent, not-for-profit, national news service for the people of Wales, by the people of Wales.
HSBC were also the first bank in Oswestry to have bilingual (English/Welsh) cashpoints in their branch there.
I remember Midland Bank having adverts on S4C years ago. I think they became part of HSBC.
Da iawn, gwych 🏴
Okay, time to transfer my account to HSBC.
It’s just a pity they have so few branches left to use any language.
Before we all start patting HSBC on the back, don’t forget this is the bank that was guilty of laundering South American drug money, also worth remembering how much money they remove from Wales annually.
And about time too! I well remember the time, probably about 15 years ago, when they revamped the Carmarthen branch together with new signage. English was given prominence and there were a considerable number of other languages BUT NOT A WORD OF WELSH. I complained about the situation and they eventually found a sticker with Cymraeg which they included among the other languages.
I should also add that a number of the Welsh speaking staff were equally concerned.
I’ll be happy when I actually see it happens ……
Signage in Wales’ HSBC branches to become Welsh language first (22 Sept)
Plaid Cymru MP slams HSBC for imposing charges on charities (20 Sept)
Good publicity for HSBC in Wales. Like it or not the English language is spoken more in Wales than Welsh and that’s never going to change.