Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) has come under criticism from employees who say they have been ordered to hold their primary bank account with the firm or face disciplinary action.
In a letter to staff obtained by trade union Amicus, RBS said failure to open a company account was a breach of the terms and conditions of their employment and could result in disciplinary action.
The bank said today it had always required staff to open current accounts with the company to receive their salaries and that its policy was in line with other leading banks.
But Amicus accused RBS, Europe's second biggest bank, of heavy-handedness and said an estimated 14,000 staff could be affected by a review carried out to remind staff of the terms and conditions of their contracts.
"Our helpline has been jammed with calls from angry staff," said Amicus official Rob Macgregor. "If you work for Tesco you won't be disciplined for buying your groceries from Sainsbury's,"
Macgregor added. "RBS's disproportionate and heavy-handed approach is counterproductive and bad for morale."
An RBS spokesman pointed out that all staff had been told at their job interviews they would have to open a current account administered by the RBS Group, which includes NatWest, to receive their pay.
Amicus said it was taking legal advice on behalf of its members.