Lloyds Bank and Halifax to shut dozens of branches

LLOYDS Banking Group is to close a further 48 branches – including one in Penarth – blaming declining visits by customers.

The Unite union said the closure of 41 Lloyds Bank and seven Halifax branches will deny thousands of customers access to vital services and cash, and could lead to 178 job losses.

The Penarth branch is slated for closure on Feburary 2 next year.

Vim Maru, retail director for Lloyds Banking Group, said: “Like many other businesses, we’ve seen people using our branches less frequently in recent years, and this decline is continuing.

“Our branches remain a fundamental part of how we serve our customers but we need to ensure the size of our branch network reflects the number of customers wanting to use them.”

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “The announcement by Lloyds Banking Group of closing a further 48 bank branches is a complete betrayal of the communities and staff who have long supported this highly profitable business.

“This sector needs to start taking their corporate social responsibilities seriously and stop neglecting their obligations to their customers and workforce.

“Banks are leaving people behind in the rush to close bank branches and force consumers to go cashless to boost their mega-profits. It’s a classic example of putting profits before people.”

Unite said it believes the banking industry should have a legal commitment to protect access to cash and bank branches.

The announcement will cut the number of Lloyds Banking Group branches to 1,475, the union added.