2018 branch closures continue

Branch Closures Campaign Archive

NatWest Group, then known as RBS Group, returned to profit in 2017 for the first time since the global financial crisis of 2008. Rather than halt their branch closure programme, the bank chose to accelerate it. This announcement of a further 162 branch closures came only a few months after the bank had announced a savage cull of 259 branches in December 2017.

This newsletter was originally published in May 2018.

Unite anger at decision to close 162 branches

In a move that has been widely anticipated, but on a scale that is truly shocking, Royal Bank of Scotland has announced plans to streamline the bank branch network in England and Wales by closing 162 branches of Williams and Glyn impacting 993 colleagues.

Affected branches will close in two tranches, the first in July & August 2018 with the remainder closing in October and November 2018. Management have briefed all affected staff. This move will unquestionably rip the heart out local communities up and down the country. The north west region is one of the biggest impacted with 62 branches closing, all other regions across England and Wales will also see branch closures.

Closures unjustified

Unite has robustly challenged the rationale for closure of these Williams and Glyn branches. The bank spent £1.8 billion trying to set up Williams & Glyn as a stand alone bank and now we see the announcement of the closure of a substantial number of the branch network. The union is clear that the bank is relying on the nearby presence of another branch be that an RBS or NatWest (where limited services only will be available), and/or a post office which provides a restricted counter service only.

The reality is that as a result of these planned closures the overwhelming majority of customers will find themselves without access to full banking facilities and in the most extreme examples some will find themselves having to make a round trip of circa 130 miles.

Unite analysis has found that in the case of 71 of the 162 branches closing customers will be forced to make return journeys of around 25 miles. This is even more astounding in Scotland where RBS has been forced to observe a moratorium in relation to ten branches identified for closure. This closure program is devastating for staff and customers throughout the country.

Unite concern

There will without doubt be issues of concern in the branches in closest proximity to the 162 branches closing. Staff in the remaining branches will face new pressures. It is unreasonable to expect staff in the NatWest branches for example, where staff are stretched to breaking point already to be able to absorb increased demand from RBS customers.

Unite has challenged RBS management on their plans for the 106 branches that remain and sought assurances that there will be increased investment and no further closes this year.

Tragedy for W&G

Staff will be aware that the near collapse of Royal Bank of Scotland 10 years ago is now being marked by yet more staff cuts. The highly skilled and experienced workforce who endured the wrath of the public face to face now see the decimation of what was a once proud Williams and Glyn branch network.

Not a member?

RBS employees who are not already members of Unite are urged to join the trade union now and help oppose these unfair charges. Join Unite’s 1.4 million members and have a voice on this and other issues, as well as receiving support, advice and representation.

Membership forms can be obtained by emailing rbsinfo@unitetheunion.org plus you can join online at www.unitetheunion.org.