Chancellor of the exchequer Alistair Darling has announced that the government will levy a one-off tax on bonuses in the banking sector.

While the anticipated tax on individual bankers’ incomes did not materialise, the plan announced in today’s Pre-Budget statement will instead be levied directly on the banks themselves.

It will apply to all bonuses over £25,000, and the Daily Telegraph estimates that more than 20,000 bank employees will be affected by the move.

Some analysts fear the move could undermine the UK economy by impacting on business confidence. If the tax weakens the financial services sector in the UK, it could affect the number of places available on banking graduate schemes in the coming years.

Alternatively, if bank employees choose to seek their fortunes elsewhere, it is possible that new opportunities will be created. Candidates who have the best up-to-date careers advice will be in the best position to take advantage of these.

"So you’re a student or graduate who wants a top paying career in Banking & Finance?”

If yes, watch the video on the right now to gain instant access to everything you need to secure a top paid career / internship in banking & finance (Valued at £197)…