Lloyds axes 99 jobs with branch closure programme

Lloyds Bank is set to close 49 branches across the country, in a move that will affect Lloyds, Halifax and Bank of Scotland branches and see 99 jobs lost.

However, the West Midlands has escaped the worst of the cuts, with only two Staffordshire branches of Lloyds – in Burslem and Codsall- set to shut its doors.

Elsewhere, Scotland is to lose 11 branches of the Bank of Scotland while the south east will see 14 branches close.

The Lloyds group blamed the closures on more people using online banking.

The Unite union has warned the bank that the ongoing bank branch closure program is undermining their vision for growth and leaves more local communities without access to valued local banking.

Rob MacGregor, Unite national officer said: “Lloyds Banking Group needs to halt this unnecessary bank branch closure program. Local communities are making it clear that the closure of their local branch excludes customers who cannot use digital means to conduct their financial transactions.

“Having returned to profitability LBG needs to stop ignoring its corporate social responsibilities. Just over six months ago the bank announced the closure of 100 branches and today another 49 branches. The news today will not be welcomed by staff or the customers left with no access to local banking.”

Unite says it is urging the bank to reconsider these latest closures and pressing the bank to guarantee there are no compulsory redundancies.