About 28 employees of Butterfield Bank have opted to take up the company’s offer of early retirement.Last November Butterfield offered more than nine percent of its Bermuda workforce, or a total of 56 employees, voluntary early retirement, citing the economic slowdown and changes in technology.Asked how many had taken up the offer, a bank spokesman said on Friday: “Approximately half of eligible employees have opted for early retirement under the terms of the offer made to them last year.”Asked if there would be any layoffs, the spokesman said: “In Bermuda and across the group, we continually analyse and refine our operations to maximise efficiencies and ensure high levels of customer service. We have made resourcing adjustments in the past in light of changes in business volumes, the introduction of new technology and changing regulatory requirements, and we will continue to do so going forward.”Before the voluntary retirement offer, Butterfield had reduced staff in Bermuda by ten percent last year. Total headcount was at 608.The 56 employees offered the option of voluntary early retirement were aged between 58 and 64.In a statement the bank had said: “Those employees who accept the early retirement offer will receive a financial incentive (based on years of service) and full retirement benefits, including their full pensions, select banking benefits and post-retirement medical benefits.“As acceptance of the offer of early retirement is entirely voluntary, those employees who elect not to retire will continue to be employed in their current roles.”