Ulster bank set to close!
A story on the Irish Independent web site by it’s Financial Correspondent, Charlie Weston has just broken. In it, the article claims that Ulster bank are due to close 22 branches, reducing it’s network to 88, after the revamp.5 of the closures are in Dublin, with a further 4 in Cork. Raphoe and Ardara are set to be the Donegal casualties, with the implication of job losses that are associated with such re-organisations. Negotiations are due to begin with the Financial Services Union (presumably around Voluntary Redundancies or alternative jobs), and no timeframe is provided.The article goes on to say “Ulster Bank chief executive Gerry Mallon said as well as doubling the number of mobile banks, the lender will introduce community banks. These are officials who will help vulnerable customers to transact digitally.” This move comes about as “Our branch network remains an important part of how we serve our customers. However, the role of the branch continues to move toward advice and away from day-to-day transactions, with only 10pc of our customer interactions now happening in branch”, said Mr. Mallon.See the full story here;http://www.independent.ie/business/irish/rural-areas-to-lose-out-as-ulster-bank-confirms-it-is-closing-22-branches-and-laying-off-staff-35558892.html
