HSBC bans Christmas jumpers over fears it could trigger customers

HSBC has banned staff from wearing Christmas jumpers over fears they could upset some customers.

The bank has told its employees not to wear the festive items this year after some customers complained about the professionalism of the outfits.

It added that its branches were spaces where customers received support with bereavement and financial difficulty, services that require “professionalism and sensitivity”.

According to The Sun, which first reported the news, there were also concerns that it would add unnecessary complications if staff had to take off a Christmas jumper before a serious conversation.

Last year, employees at one branch were photographed wearing festive knitwear, including one featuring the Grinch in a Santa hat alongside the phrase “Merry whatever”.

It is understood that the decision had nothing to do with cultural sensitivities and HSBC said staff were still encouraged to celebrate Christmas in other ways, such as through decorating local branches, festive lunches or team celebrations.

A spokesman said: “We are encouraging colleagues to celebrate Christmas in branches in lots of different ways, including decorating branches, team celebrations and festive lunches.

“However, it’s important to also remember that branches are spaces where customers receive a range of specialist services that require professionalism and sensitivity. This year, we have asked colleagues in customer-facing roles not to wear Christmas jumpers to reflect this.”

While festive jumpers have been banned at HSBC, the Church of England recently gave its blessing to even the most lurid Christmas sweaters.

Nicholas Papadopulos, the Dean of Salisbury, wrote in a booklet produced by Church House Publishing: “You see, Christmas jumpers are tasteless. And here’s the thing. God is tasteless too. That’s actually the heart of the good news. God is without a shred of cultural or aesthetic judgment. That must be so.”

Mr Papadopulos added that God is also a “knitter” who is thanked for “carefully weaving us into being”, adding: “God has no taste. God does not discriminate. God does not exclude. So wear that jumper with pride.”

In 2023, HSBC shifted to more casual uniforms for its staff. These included a new range of jumpsuits, chinos and jeans, which it said would mirror the “more casual new look of the banks’ branches”.

The bank has 327 branches across the country. Last year, it said visits had fallen by 65pc over the previous five years. Since 2015, HSBC has closed 743 outlets. However, it has committed to announcing no new branch closures until “at least” 2026.