Yesterday, NatWest International announced that its Longueville and Les Quennevais branches are to shut on 7 January as it looks to ‘move with the times’.
A voluntary redundancy scheme has been opened across the bank as a result of the decision and NatWest is working with colleagues and trade unions to support those affected. The JEP has asked for figures on job losses and is awaiting a response.
Andrew McLaughlin, chief executive of RBS International, which owns NatWest, said that the online banking service was now the ‘busiest branch’ of them all. ‘In recent years we’ve seen significant changes in customer behaviour with more customers choosing digital for their everyday banking needs,’ he said.
‘We must rebalance investment between our branch network and our new digital network in recognition of the way customers wish to bank with us.’
He added: ‘Customers will still have the option to visit our Library Place and Bath Street branches in St Helier or speak with colleagues in our local banking telephony centre.
‘We also have a dedicated telephony service for vulnerable customers in the community. No branch is busier than our mobile banking service and today’s announcement recognises our need to move with the times.’
In 2015, NatWest closed its branch in St Aubin, which has since been converted into an Indian restaurant.
By contrast, Santander International is planning to expand its high street presence in Jersey.
The bank, which is located in Commercial Street, has submitted plans to open an outlet featuring a ‘work café’ in the former Thomas Cook premises at Charing Cross.
