A SOUTHEND bank has launched a sexism investigation after claims male workers are part of a Whatsapp group “rating customers based on how attractive they are”.

Metro Bank, in the Victoria Shopping Centre, has confirmed it will be investigating and talking to staff after being made aware of the group chat allegedly being used by employees.

The Echo was contacted by a woman who claimed her friend, an employee at the bank, told her employees use a secret code to rank women comparing them to different types of bank accounts.

The bank has stated it “will not stand for any sexist behaviour”.

Speaking to the Echo, the friend of an employee said: “I have a friend who told me about it and he thought it was quite funny.

“I was told about messages they sent when a customer goes into the bank.

“They have a secret code based on the different names of bank accounts and it’s been going on for about a year or so now.

“When he told me about it, I told my friend I didn’t find it very funny, but he didn’t seem to see anything wrong with it.

“I think it’s disgusting and I think if someone found out about it, I think they would find it quite helpful.

“It’s not on, I am a customer with that bank but I don’t know if I will stay banking with that bank. I feel uncomfortable with the male staff rating customers behind their backs.

“If I do leave the bank as a customer, I think I will probably tell them the reason why.”

She urged the bank to investigate and added that the public would be “horrified” to hear about such things going on.

A spokesman for Metro Bank said: “Metro Bank is built on a culture of diversity, inclusion and respect for all.

“We take any allegations of inappropriate conduct seriously and will not tolerate sexist behaviour.

“We are looking into the allegations and will take any appropriate action as required.”