Lloyds Bank is closing two branches in Birmingham - full details here

Lloyds Banking Group is closing a further 48 branches, blaiming a decline in visits by cutomers for the closures.

The Group will close 41 Lloyds Bank branches and seven Halifax branches across the country, with Unite union saying this could lead to 178 job losses.

Two of these closures are in Birmingham

• Lloyds Birmingham Cotteridge is due to close on 2 March 2022
• Lloyds Birmingham Springfield is due to close on 16 February 2022

The announcement will cut the number of Lloyds Banking Group branches across the country to 1,475.

The group says that all customers have alternative access to cash within a third of a mile of the branches that will close.

The banking group was founded in Birmingham by John Taylor, Sampson Lloyd and their two sons in 1765. It was the city’s only bank for 99 years.

What have Lloyds Bank said about the closures in their own words?

Vim Maru, retail director for Lloyds Banking Group, said: “Like many other businesses, we’ve seen people using our branches less frequently in recent years, and this decline is continuing.

“Our branches remain a fundamental part of how we serve our customers but we need to ensure the size of our branch network reflects the number of customers wanting to use them.”

What concerns do the unions have about the closures?

However, Unite said the move will deny thousands of customers access to vital services and cash.

General secretary of the union, Sharon Graham, said: “The announcement by Lloyds Banking Group of closing a further 48 bank branches is a complete betrayal of the communities and staff who have long supported this highly profitable business.

“This sector needs to start taking their corporate social responsibilities seriously and stop neglecting their obligations to their customers and workforce.

“Banks are leaving people behind in the rush to close bank branches and force consumers to go cashless to boost their mega-profits. It’s a classic example of putting profits before people.”

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