Unite national officer Dominic Hook said: “Unite is appalled that there will be a further 114 bank branch closures by HSBC. This hugely profitable financial institution is walking away from the customers and communities who most need access to local banking services.

“Unite is calling on HSBC to reconsider these branch closures during the consultation process before they abandon the most vulnerable in our society and leave them without a neighbourhood bank served by experienced knowledgeable staff. Of the total 114 closures proposed today the vast majority (108) of the closures will result in no HSBC branch within 3 miles and it is disgraceful that 25 communities will be left to travel over 15 miles to the nearest branch.

“While this Government is happy to stand aside and allow banks to pay their city bankers astronomical bonuses, there is no political will to challenge the banks on their actions in our communities. Without any corporate social responsibility to require banks to stay on our high streets to help the elderly, disabled or vulnerable, then access to cash and banking will be lost forever.”

ENDS 

For media enquires ONLY contact Unite Senior Communications officer Saba Edwards on 07768 693 953.   

 

Unite is Britain and Ireland’s largest union with members working across all sectors of the economy. The general secretary is Sharon Graham.