the Bank of N.T. Butterfield & Son these days, you will be sure to learn good telephone manners.

The bank has just broadened its training programme to include such basics as how to treat customers nicely and answer the telephone correctly.

According to the bank, the `New Employee Programme' will educate new recruits on the company's policies, standards and procedures aimed at giving customers good service.

In a statement the bank said: "New Bank of Butterfield staff members will now learn everything from answering the telephone to maintaining good customer relations.'' New recruits will have to attend a day and a half-long programme before starting work in their respective departments.

"Through informative discussion sessions and activities, they will gain the skills essential in carrying out quality customer service as well as the knowledge about the bank and its departments,'' the bank added.

Bank of Butterfield training officer Kelly Watson said: "Human resources is very pleased with the new employee programme which was rolled out in November.

"The customer service focus in this programme is a refreshing change to that of just policies and procedures which orientation programmes tend to focus upon. Employees will be well-equipped with customer skills, as well as knowledge about the organisation.''