There could be a sliver of light in these times of gloom, when the economy is set to clock under 5% growth in the current financial year: foreign banks such as Citibank, Standard Chartered and HSBC are firming up plans to add more than 5,000 jobs in 2014.
The focus would be on recruiting women and the differently-abled. Most banks have already initiated a drive to bring in gender diversity.
Citibank has announced that it will add 2,500 fresh jobs in the current year. Standard Chartered and HSBC too confirmed that India will continue to be their priority market, and that they would carry on with an aggressive hiring plan.
“Hiring outlook for 2014 is optimistic and we expect to see an uptake of 20% over the previous year with demand strongest in revenue generating roles,” said Dominic White, regional head, HR, India & South Asia, Standard Chartered. “The focus remains on building a diversified workforce by hiring from different industries, differently abled, healthy gender mix and premium business schools.”
A spokesman at HSBC said the bank added about 1,000 jobs in 2013. “We will continue to hire in India as it remains our priority market,” the spokesman added.
{{/usCountry}}A spokesman at HSBC said the bank added about 1,000 jobs in 2013. “We will continue to hire in India as it remains our priority market,” the spokesman added.
{{/usCountry}}A headhunter said banks have given a mandate to staffing firms to focus on women and differently abled, as per the government’s focus.
“Most banks want to have more women, give them a flexible working environment... existing workforce is being trained for bigger roles,” said a senior official at a foreign bank who did not wish to be identified.
Meanwhile, more than 40,000 banking jobs could be added with the Reserve Bank set to issue banking licenses to several companies this year.