A few days before the holiday season, Barclays terminated 15 New York-based bankers and traders, along with 35 other employees, without issuing their annual bonuses. The move has ignited backlash and opened the door to potential legal battles.

The layoffs, first reported by the Times of India, left the affected professionals reeling as they missed out on year-end bonuses-a significant component of their total compensation. For the 15 Wall Street bankers, these bonuses often reach up to $1 million, according to industry insiders. This comes on top of base salaries that typically start at $200,000, making the lack of bonuses a severe financial blow.

Attorney Tanvir Rahman from Filippatos described Barclays’ decision as “heartless,” emphasizing that many firms, including rivals like Goldman Sachs and Bank of America, offer pro-rata bonuses to employees terminated late in the year.

Legal Challenges
Several terminated employees are now weighing legal action, with claims potentially exceeding $10 million. They argue that bonuses are earned incrementally throughout the year and, as such, are not entirely discretionary. These professionals contend they are entitled to their bonuses, even if they were dismissed before the payout date.

However, legal success may prove challenging. Rahman pointed out that most employment agreements clearly state that only current employees are eligible for bonuses. Additionally, some ex-employees are exploring arbitration through the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) as an alternative route to resolve disputes.

Barclays’ Defense
Responding to criticism, a Barclays spokesperson stated, “We regularly review our talent pool to ensure that we are investing in talent, delivering for clients, and best positioned for long-term success,” according to the TOI report.

The layoffs are part of a broader three-year strategy aimed at reducing the bank’s reliance on investment banking and streamlining its operations. Despite these actions, reports indicate that bonuses in certain departments were expected to rise by 20%.

Barclays has been scaling back its bonus payouts for years. In 2023, the bank slashed bonuses by 43% amid a revenue decline, following reports in 2022 of numerous bankers going without bonuses altogether.

This trend has fueled resentment among employees, with the latest layoffs exacerbating tensions. Industry analysts argue that the decision to deny bonuses could have long-term repercussions, not just for the affected employees but also for the morale and trust of the remaining staff.

The layoffs and denied bonuses have sparked outrage across Wall Street. Many professionals view this as a stark reminder of the cutthroat nature of the financial industry. Barclays’ decision has raised questions about whether cost-cutting measures are being prioritized at the expense of workforce satisfaction.

One industry expert noted, “While economic efficiency is critical for financial institutions, actions like these risk damaging the bank’s reputation and employee goodwill. In the long run, this could hurt their ability to attract top talent.”