NatWest is set to close its Billericay branch as it announced plans to axe 32 sites. 

The banking giant is to close 32 branches, including several RBS sites, as it says customers switch increasingly to using online services.

The bank said the sites would close but did not say when.

NatWest said 21 of the closures would be NatWest branches, and 11 of them RBS.

Most staff will be moved to other branches, but 12 jobs will be at risk.

The plans include the NatWest site in Billericay and an RBS in Chelmsford. 

In a statement the bank said: “As with many industries, most of our customers are shifting to mobile and online banking, because it’s faster and easier for people to manage their financial lives.

“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.”

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Many of the UK’s high street bank chains have been shutting sites for years, sparking fears that less technologically savvy customers might struggle to manage their money.

Research carried out by Which? last year for the PA news agency showed that nearly half of bank branches have been lost since 2015, or are scheduled to close.

It counted 4,735 branches that had been earmarked for closure during the period, including 736 in 2021.

It is such a common occurrence that a week ago the Principality Building Society reassured staff and customers that it would keep all of its branches open until at least the end of 2025.

NatWest closures

  • Billericay, Essex
  • Borehamwood, Hertfordshire
  • Bulwell & Hucknall, Nottinghamshire
  • Chelsea, Greater London
  • Gillingham, Kent
  • Gosforth, Tyne and Wear
  • Headingley, West Yorkshire
  • Hull University, East Yorkshire
  • Leatherhead, Surrey
  • Leeds Victoria, West Yorkshire
  • Manchester Spinningfields Square, Greater Manchester
  • Marlow, Buckinghamshire
  • Nottingham City, Nottinghamshire
  • Piccadilly & New Bond Street, Greater London
  • Ruislip, north-west London
  • South Woodford, east London
  • Swanley, Kent
  • Tavistock Square, central London
  • Twickenham, west London
  • Windsor & Eton, Berkshire
  • Derby Crompton House, Derbyshire

Royal Bank of Scotland closures

  • Bishopsgate, City of London
  • Cardiff City, Wales
  • Chelmsford, Essex
  • Cheltenham, Gloucestershire
  • Harrow, north London
  • Leeds Park Row, West Yorkshire
  • Leicester Market Street, Leicestershire
  • London Child & Co
  • Nottingham City Office, Nottinghamshire
  • Southampton High Street, Hampshire
  • Wilmslow, Cheshire