NatWest is set to shut 32 more branches across the country, with closures occurring throughout the year. The bank stated that the decision was “difficult” to make.
Since 2015, consumer group Which? estimates that 6,660 UK bank branches have closed across a range of providers. It says NatWest Group, which comprises NatWest, Royal Bank of Scotland and Ulster Bank, has closed 1,536 branches – the most of any banking group. The mass closures are attributed to factors such as a shift towards online banking and reduced foot traffic on UK high streets. The 32 new NatWest branch closures, which were announced last week, come in addition to seven already confirmed, bringing the total number of planned closures to 39 branches over the next two years.
Four branches in London are set to close, with two in Manchester and many more across the rest of the UK. Anyone who banks with NatWest and is impacted by a local closure will get information in the post about next steps.
The bank noted that £4million has been dedicated to branch investment in the affected areas, with mobile branches and cashpoints still available throughout the UK.
Redundancies will also hopefully be minimised, according to the bank.
A NatWest spokesperson said: “Our branch network is a central part of how we serve customers, and we continue to invest in this for the future, with an increase in our investment into branches planned over the next three years.
“However, how our customers choose to bank with us is changing, and our network and services need to reflect customer demand and ensure we are set up to deliver the best possible support.
“Through our unique mobile branches, Community Banking Hubs, Post Office partnerships and the largest free-to-use ATM network of any bank, we are committed to providing customers with access to banking in ways that best suit their needs.
“We carefully assess where and when we make the difficult decision to close a branch to minimise the impact any change may have on our customers and colleagues.”
