NatWest bank to shut 43 branches across UK including in Portsmouth and Waterlooville, full list
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The UK’s second biggest lender said the vast majority of its retail banking services can be done digitally and it is the quicker and easier way to bank.
Just six jobs are expected to be put at risk as part of the closures, indicating most branch staff will be offered the opportunity to take up a role in a different branch or another part of the business.
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The branch in Palmerston Road, Southsea, and in London Road, Waterlooville, are among those to close their doors.
NatWest said it will contact its vulnerable customers to support them.
The group acknowledged some might be worried by the closure of their local branch, particularly if they are uncomfortable or unable to use online banking, but it will ensure ‘no-one is left behind’.
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.
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Hide Ad‘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.’
The branch in Southampton Road, Eastleigh, is also closing.
Footfall at banks has been falling.
NatWest said average counter transactions had shrunk by nearly two-thirds in just two years, between January 2019 and January 2022.