NatWest has confirmed it is closing 43 bank branches across the UK in the latest move to transition its banking services online.
Just six jobs are expected to be put at risk as part of the closures and vulnerable customers will be contacted by the bank, NatWest said.
A NatWest spokesperson said: “As with many industries, most of our customers are shifting to mobile and online banking, because it is faster and easier for people to manage their financial lives. We understand and recognise that digital solutions aren’t right for everyone or every situation, and that when we close branches we have to make sure that no-one is left behind.
“We take our responsibility seriously to support the people who face challenges in moving online, so we are investing to provide them with support and alternatives that work for them.”
Government High Streets Task Force expert and ShopAppy founder, Dr Jackie Mulligan: “This is such disappointing news from a bank that has always been part of the UK’s high streets and has championed the small businesses that trade on them.
“Their ‘Tomorrow Begins Today’ advertising slogan feels a little bit redundant now. For most small businesses in town centres, this will put a lot more uncertainty into their tomorrows.
“Banks provide services and employment in communities, which drives footfall and custom to our much loved high streets across the country.
“Tomorrow for NatWest feels like a virtual one now and that will be a blow to many small high street businesses at a time when they least need more uncertainty.”
The closures will take place between January to March 2023, MirrorOnline reports. It comes after NatWest confirmed in February that would permanently shut 32 branches.
List of NatWest branch closures
18 Market Place, Henley-on-Thames
Hightown, Sandbach
141 High Street, Stourbridge
49 High Street, Wetherby
5 Broad Street, Wokingham
2 Spring Gardens, Buxton
York Street, Clitheroe
34 Southampton Road, Eastleigh
19 The Grove, Ilkley England
44 Packhorse Road, Gerrards Cross
12 Station Road East, Oxted,
181 Darkes Lane, Potters Bar,
19 Market Street Shipley
68 Palmerston Road Southsea
37 High Street St. Neots
3 Cornmarket Thame
Norfolk Square Glossop
Corner of Alexandra & Sea View Street Cleethorpes
209 Ashley Road Parkstone
1 Market Place Devizes
49 High Street Uckfield
93 London Road Waterlooville
130 High Street Tonbridge
71 Lowther Street, Whiteheaven
1 Courthouse Square, Dundee
214 High Holborn, London
21 St Mary’s Road, Market Harborough
11 High Street, Lewes
208 Lower Blandford Road, Broadstone
19 Miller Road, Ayr
209 Lower Addiscombe Road, Croydon
262 Union Street, Aberdeen
118 Walsgrave Road, Coventry
128 Balham Road, London
109 George Street, Edinburgh
19 High Road, Beeston
119 High Street, Berkhamstead
151 Bath Road, Cheltenham
14 Blythswood Square, Glasgow
124 High Street, Bromsgrove
1 Croydon Road, Caterham
34 High Street, Cheadle
91 London Road, Headington
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NatWest to close a further 43 UK bank branches