RBS to shut more branches

[snooky]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-edinburgh-east-fife-38170966

Anybody else think that RBS are using the online banking as a convenient excuse?

They closed a branch near me saying that walk-in customers were down 11%.
What about the rest? Did someone at a management meeting ask, "How can we pi$$ off 89% of our customers in one locality in one stroke?"

I find their partronising adverts galling now. "We're with you every day, We're the Royal Bank for Scotland" - eh, no you're not.

[CapitalGreen]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-edinburgh-east-fife-38170966

Anybody else think that RBS are using the online banking as a convenient excuse?

They closed a branch near me saying that walk-in customers were down 11%.
What about the rest? Did someone at a management meeting ask, "How can we pi$$ off 89% of our customers in one locality in one stroke?"

I find their partronising adverts galling now. "We're with you every day, We're the Royal Bank for Scotland" - eh, no you're not.

I think you have misinterpreted the use of percentages in this article.

[BroxburnHibee]

They recently closed the Broxburn branch so now it's either Newbridge or Livi. Pain in the a**.

[Speedy]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-edinburgh-east-fife-38170966

Anybody else think that RBS are using the online banking as a convenient excuse?

They closed a branch near me saying that walk-in customers were down 11%.
What about the rest? Did someone at a management meeting ask, "How can we pi$$ off 89% of our customers in one locality in one stroke?"

I find their partronising adverts galling now. "We're with you every day, We're the Royal Bank for Scotland" - eh, no you're not.

Cost cutting, simple as that really. Interest rate forecasts are low so with income hard to come by, costs will have to go.

I'm surprised the Chesser branch is being closed though because customers of the shandon branch were diverted there not so long ago.

[Scouse Hibee]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-edinburgh-east-fife-38170966

Anybody else think that RBS are using the online banking as a convenient excuse?

They closed a branch near me saying that walk-in customers were down 11%.
What about the rest? Did someone at a management meeting ask, "How can we pi$$ off 89% of our customers in one locality in one stroke?"

I find their partronising adverts galling now. "We're with you every day, We're the Royal Bank for Scotland" - eh, no you're not.

You have misunderstood the figures quoted.

[Jack]

Given the total shambles that RBS have been, even before the crash with a series of mega fines for shafting their customers, I'm surprised they have any customers left.

Last year the Bank of England thought they were crap and over the last 12 months they've ... errr ... not got any better!

I know a load of folk will say what about all the jobs but with the continued millions being lost on a monthly basis you really have to ask what's the point of keeping it going? Just give it to a bank that knows what they're doing.

[RyeSloan]

Bank branches are the same as post offices...victims of transformational change.

A large branch network used to be an asset...now it's largely just a large cost base losing money so I'm not surprised to see more branches go.

[hibsbollah]

RBS are in a downward spiral, the problem being that the aggressive acquisitions continued way beyond post 2008 when lessons were supposed to have been learnt. ABN/AMRO could be the final nail of the coffin.

[snooky]

You have misunderstood the figures quoted.

It was the teller at my previous local branch that said they were closing the branch because walk-in customers were down by 11%.
If I'm misunderstanding her (or if she was misquoting), please explain what that figure actually means. Ta.

BTW, I wonder how many branches could they keep open if the didn't pay the fat cats the big bonuses?

[Speedy]

It was the teller at my previous local branch that said they were closing the branch because walk-in customers were down by 11%.
If I'm misunderstanding her (or if she was misquoting), please explain what that figure actually means. Ta.

BTW, I wonder how many branches could they keep open if the didn't pay the fat cats the big bonuses?

It's that an 11% drop is a directional change (presumably 2016 compared to 2015) whereas you've linked that to 89% of customers use branches & 11% don't.

Edit: The point on bonuses also doesn't correlate. If a branch (or any other part of a business) is losing money it doesn't matter how many 'fat cat' bonuses would keep it open - why would you want to if it continues to generate a loss?

[johnbc70]

RBS are in a downward spiral, the problem being that the aggressive acquisitions continued way beyond post 2008 when lessons were supposed to have been learnt. ABN/AMRO could be the final nail of the coffin.

Who did they buy post 2008?

[hibsbollah]

Who did they buy post 2008?

The Williams and Glyn farce represents an acquisition? It certainly represents the kind of reckless behaviour that was supposed to be a thing of the past.

[snooky]

It's that an 11% drop is a directional change (presumably 2016 compared to 2015) whereas you've linked that to 89% of customers use branches & 11% don't.

Edit: The point on bonuses also doesn't correlate. If a branch (or any other part of a business) is losing money it doesn't matter how many 'fat cat' bonuses would keep it open - why would you want to if it continues to generate a loss?

Why would you want to throw cash at one person as opposed to keeping open a branch that serves a community and provides jobs.
I suppose it depends on your point of view. FWIW, I know what my choice would be from 'bonus' or 'branch'.

[Andy74]

The Williams and Glyn farce represents an acquisition? It certainly represents the kind of reckless behaviour that was supposed to be a thing of the past.

Actually this represents the fact that lots of people have an opinion without understanding what they are on about! :greengrin

[CropleyWasGod]

Why would you want to throw cash at one person as opposed to keeping open a branch that serves a community and provides jobs.
I suppose it depends on your point of view. FWIW, I know what my choice would be from 'bonus' or 'branch'.

If you were a shareholder (and you are, like it or not :greengrin), giving someone a bonus of £50k, say, for saving the company, say, £500k pa, would be a reasonable deal, no?

[hibsbollah]

Actually this represents the fact that lots of people have an opinion without understanding what they are on about! :greengrin

I am more familiar with it than I'd like to be, frankly. RBS are in a pickle.

[johnbc70]

The Williams and Glyn farce represents an acquisition? It certainly represents the kind of reckless behaviour that was supposed to be a thing of the past.

Williams and Glyn are existing RBS England and Wales branches and NatWest Scotland branches. So absolutely no acquisition at all, they already owned them. As far as I know there has been no acquisitions since ABN.

[Speedy]

The Williams and Glyn farce represents an acquisition? It certainly represents the kind of reckless behaviour that was supposed to be a thing of the past.

Williams and Glyn (and TSB in the case of Lloyds) is a mandated disposal.

I agree it's reckless but in this case it's not the banks' fault.

Incidentally, the amount wasted on W&G could have resolved the capital gap.

[Speedy]

If you were a shareholder (and you are, like it or not :greengrin), giving someone a bonus of £50k, say, for saving the company, say, £500k pa, would be a reasonable deal, no?

Exactly.

It's funny because we (joe public) complain with our shareholder hat on when RBS make a loss but also complain with our customer hat on when they take cost saving measures.

[beensaidbefore]

As a straw poll, how many on here still use branches? I seldom do and only for paying in money for work which can't be banked any other way.

The days of needing one on every corner is long gone with the age of mobiles and internet banking.

[hibsbollah]

Williams and Glyn are existing RBS England and Wales branches and NatWest Scotland branches. So absolutely no acquisition at all, they already owned them. As far as I know there has been no acquisitions since ABN.

I suppose technically that's true but the W&G IT contract represented an 'acquisition' of a new enormous piece of work that was always fraught with risk. We're getting into the grounds of in-the-knowery at this point but suffice it to say things are likely to get worse before they get better.

[Colr]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-edinburgh-east-fife-38170966

Anybody else think that RBS are using the online banking as a convenient excuse?

They closed a branch near me saying that walk-in customers were down 11%.
What about the rest? Did someone at a management meeting ask, "How can we pi$$ off 89% of our customers in one locality in one stroke?"

I find their partronising adverts galling now. "We're with you every day, We're the Royal Bank for Scotland" - eh, no you're not.

Can't remember the last time I had to go into a bank branch. It must have been some 15years ago.

[johnbc70]

I suppose technically that's true but the W&G IT contract represented an 'acquisition' of a new enormous piece of work that was always fraught with risk. We're getting into the grounds of in-the-knowery at this point but suffice it to say things are likely to get worse before they get better.

It was not a contract, it was mandated by the EU.

But we probably both agree it is a mess, sooner it's sorted the better.

[Speedy]

As a straw poll, how many on here still use branches? I seldom do and only for paying in money for work which can't be banked any other way.

The days of needing one on every corner is long gone with the age of mobiles and internet banking.

Very rarely. Annually at most.

[PeeJay]

As a straw poll, how many on here still use branches? I seldom do and only for paying in money for work which can't be banked any other way.

The days of needing one on every corner is long gone with the age of mobiles and internet banking.

I imagine lots of "elderly" people go to branches still - and not everybody has a mobile phone or does online banking ... so the need must still be there, I would think?

[beensaidbefore]

I imagine lots of "elderly" people go to branches still - and not everybody has a mobile phone or does online banking ... so the need must still be there, I would think?

You're right, I think with branches being closed there will be more travelling banks that visit a certain area on a certain day. They can go to outlying places like fairmilehead, crammond, gilmerton etc and set up for the day. People who needed to would know when to go and make the time to do so. Total pain but you can understand why. You could effectively close 5 branches for each van/bus/truck and visit those areas once a week. Would save a fortune.

[johnbc70]

The busiest branch in the UK? The 0729 train from Brighton to London. More people do their banking at that time in the morning than at any other time.

Yes branches will be needed but the days of having a large branch network has gone.

[heretoday]

The busiest branch in the UK? The 0729 train from Brighton to London. More people do their banking at that time in the morning than at any other time.

Yes branches will be needed but the days of having a large branch network has gone.
That's an impressive stat.

It's bad news for older folk who don't trust the Internet with their hard - earned.

[Speedy]

I imagine lots of "elderly" people go to branches still - and not everybody has a mobile phone or does online banking ... so the need must still be there, I would think?

You can pay cash/cheques in at the post office and can take cash out there or at an atm.

That probably covers the bulk of the need.

[PeeJay]

You can pay cash/cheques in at the post office and can take cash out there or at an atm.

That probably covers the bulk of the need.

Sure, but if I need a new account, a debit card, etc, or if I change my location, need a loan, lose my card, need some financial/banking advice, want to exchange money will the PO help me, can the ATM help me?

Another aspect worthy of consideration is the atrocious level of IT security at banks in general with regard to the obsolete online processes/systems/infrastructure in place - how soon before that system breaks down: what then? Here in Germany most systems are roughly 20 years old and the people capable of servicing/maintaining such "old" systems are retiring or have retired .... is it any different in the UK I wonder?

... you guys still use "cheques"??? :confused:

[oconnors_strip]

You can pay cash/cheques in at the post office and can take cash out there or at an atm.

That probably covers the bulk of the need.


What about the elderly who don't like using ATMs and don't have a post office close by? My grandad never used an ATM, he would always go in to his branch for money every couple of days.

Also what is going to happen with all the staff in these branches which are closing? I'm sure some of them won't want a call centre type job

[RyeSloan]

What about the elderly who don't like using ATMs and don't have a post office close by? My grandad never used an ATM, he would always go in to his branch for money every couple of days.

Also what is going to happen with all the staff in these branches which are closing? I'm sure some of them won't want a call centre type job

Keeping open loss making branches that fewer and fewer people use just because there are a few elderly folk that don't use an ATM doesn't seem a sensible business case to me. Anyway I'm not sure this 'what about the elderly' thing makes much sense...ATM's have been around for decades so to suggest that just because you are in later years means you can't or won't use one just seems a bit odd. And most elderly folk have seen technology arrive and a lot have embraced it, at least to some degree. Again just because you are over 65 or whatever doesn't mean you can't use online banking or pick up a phone.

As for the staff I have no idea...hopefully they can find alternative roles for them but again, while difficult for them on a personal level, you can't expect a business to support loss making areas for evermore.

[steakbake]

I'd count my parents as elderly - they are retired and into their 70s. They're pretty ok at remote banking, but prefer telephone banking (speaking to someone) over doing something online, I'd say. Their local branch has closed some time ago, but they did eventually adapt after a short while of being a bit shocked to see something that's been in the village for decades suddenly disappear. There is also the post-office counter, where they can take money out and pay money in.

It's all about ensuring there's some good information about the alternatives.

To be honest, I think if we're wondering when RBS will start caring, we're probably wondering a few years too late!

[Speedy]

Sure, but if I need a new account, a debit card, etc, or if I change my location, need a loan, lose my card, need some financial/banking advice, want to exchange money will the PO help me, can the ATM help me?

Another aspect worthy of consideration is the atrocious level of IT security at banks in general with regard to the obsolete online processes/systems/infrastructure in place - how soon before that system breaks down: what then? Here in Germany most systems are roughly 20 years old and the people capable of servicing/maintaining such "old" systems are retiring or have retired .... is it any different in the UK I wonder?

... you guys still use "cheques"??? :confused:



You can do that online or on the phone.

Cheque numbers are decreasing, I suspect the demographics using cheques are the ones likely to use branches more.

[Speedy]

What about the elderly who don't like using ATMs and don't have a post office close by? My grandad never used an ATM, he would always go in to his branch for money every couple of days.

Also what is going to happen with all the staff in these branches which are closing? I'm sure some of them won't want a call centre type job

Out of interest, do you think he'll be willing to pay for it to cover the cost of the service? Let's say a fiver a time.

[oconnors_strip]

Out of interest, do you think he'll be willing to pay for it to cover the cost of the service? Let's say a fiver a time.

I would ask him but don't think they use banks in heaven.

If he was still alive I'm sure he would happily pay for the service

[Hibs Class]

Out of interest, do you think he'll be willing to pay for it to cover the cost of the service? Let's say a fiver a time.

The chances are that folk in that position are aleady paying for it through hidden charges

[Speedy]

I would ask him but don't think they use banks in heaven.

If he was still alive I'm sure he would happily pay for the service

Apologies.

Fair enough, not many would.

[PeeJay]

You can do that online or on the phone.

Cheque numbers are decreasing, I suspect the demographics using cheques are the ones likely to use branches more.

Fair point, you can do "everything" online, my point was what if you don't want to or can't? And - as I referred to in my post - what about the outdated IT systems and people in charge - and the inherent risk, you don't have an issue with that?

You happy to have financial advice give to you "on the phone" by someone you don't know, can't see?

[Speedy]

Fair point, you can do "everything" online, my point was what if you don't want to or can't? And - as I referred to in my post - what about the outdated IT systems and people in charge - and the inherent risk, you don't have an issue with that?

You happy to have financial advice give to you "on the phone" by someone you don't know, can't see?

It's a fine balancing act. The public (shareholder) wants it to be making a profit so it can sell its shares but the public (customer) doesn't want to cut loss making services such as branches.

Systems/processes are pretty crap but it costs money to fix them. You can't spend money on everything and a significant amount goes into regulation such as ring fencing and offloading W&G/TSB (for RBS/Lloyds respectively). To invedt in other areas there have to be cutbacks.

If a customer doesn't like the existing service (because of branch location or whatever) then, just like you'd do in any other industy, find someone else to go to.

I sympathise with those who struggle with certain services but they'll be in a minority and coming back to the first point, it's not a charity. When you think about it it's not often you do any of the things you can't do in a post office so the cost:benefit isn't there for the bank or the public.

Strictly speaking banks don't give financial advice but to answer the question, yes I'm fine with that. I'll make a judgement based on their phone manner and/or website whether I trust them or not.

Edit: it's a bit like the recent fuss about Christmas lights in Edinburgh. Money doesn't spread far enough and when it comes down to christmas lights, bin collections, schools etc. a difficult choice needs to be made about what goes.

[snooky]

It's a fine balancing act. The public (shareholder) wants it to be making a profit so it can sell its shares but the public (customer) doesn't want to cut loss making services such as branches.

Systems/processes are pretty crap but it costs money to fix them. You can't spend money on everything and a significant amount goes into regulation such as ring fencing and offloading W&G/TSB (for RBS/Lloyds respectively). To invedt in other areas there have to be cutbacks.

If a customer doesn't like the existing service (because of branch location or whatever) then, just like you'd do in any other industy, find someone else to go to.

I sympathise with those who struggle with certain services but they'll be in a minority and coming back to the first point, it's not a charity. When you think about it it's not often you do any of the things you can't do in a post office so the cost:benefit isn't there for the bank or the public.

Strictly speaking banks don't give financial advice but to answer the question, yes I'm fine with that. I'll make a judgement based on their phone manner and/or website whether I trust them or not.

Edit: it's a bit like the recent fuss about Christmas lights in Edinburgh. Money doesn't spread far enough and when it comes down to christmas lights, bin collections, schools etc. a difficult choice needs to be made about what goes.

Good advice, Crunch. Thanks.
I've been with RBS for over 50 years. Time to say "stuff them" as that's their apparent latest attitude towards their customers.

[Fuzzywuzzy]

The cost of a transaction in a branch costs something like £4. To make one using digital/online is something like a 1/4 to. 1/5 of that. Very rarely to I go to a branch unless I need to pay a cheque in. Even then, I'll use the automates system

[snooky]

The cost of a transaction in a branch costs something like £4. To make one using digital/online is something like a 1/4 to. 1/5 of that. Very rarely to I go to a branch unless I need to pay a cheque in. Even then, I'll use the automates system

.... and the cost to RBS for me using another bank will be even less. :wink:

[snooky]

Another 30 being earmarked for closure.
From BBC website "An RBS spokesman said many more customers now preferred using mobile and online services over traditional branch counters."
That may be the case and he must be one of them because he obviously doesn't have to stand for up to an hour in a queue at the remaining branches like the average punter. :grr:

Here's a list of the RBS branches facing closure.

Anstruther
Banchory
Bishopbriggs
Blantyre
Buckie
Cowdenbeath
Cumnock
Cupar
Dalgety Bay
Denny
Forres
Girvan
Glasgow Alexandra Parade,
Glasgow Anniesland Cross
Glasgow Burnside
Glasgow Crosshill
Glasgow Govan
Grangemouth
Kilsyth
Kirkcaldy Central
Leven
Mauchline
Newton Mearns
Newton Stewart
Prestwick
Stenhousemuir
Stonehaven
Troon
Westhill
Whitburn

[johnbc70]

Another 30 being earmarked for closure.
From BBC website "An RBS spokesman said many more customers now preferred using mobile and online services over traditional branch counters."
That may be the case and he must be one of them because he obviously doesn't have to stand for up to an hour in a queue at the remaining branches like the average punter. :grr:

Here's a list of the RBS branches facing closure.

Anstruther
Banchory
Bishopbriggs
Blantyre
Buckie
Cowdenbeath
Cumnock
Cupar
Dalgety Bay
Denny
Forres
Girvan
Glasgow Alexandra Parade,
Glasgow Anniesland Cross
Glasgow Burnside
Glasgow Crosshill
Glasgow Govan
Grangemouth
Kilsyth
Kirkcaldy Central
Leven
Mauchline
Newton Mearns
Newton Stewart
Prestwick
Stenhousemuir
Stonehaven
Troon
Westhill
Whitburn

Is what you wait in the branch for something that you can only do in an actual branch?

[Just Jimmy]

Leven is my branch. I hardly use it. My dad is raging though.

Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk

[snooky]

Is what you wait in the branch for something that you can only do in an actual branch?

As opposed to doing it online do you mean? If so, I do not want to do any banking online, thank you.
There are far too many horror stories out there. I also like to explain to a real living person what I want to do. I hate 'talking' to a machine that answers my questions & answers with simply more questions.
There are people out there who don't like or trust computers. I'm one of them, as you may have guessed already. :cool2:

[Colr]

As opposed to doing it online do you mean? If so, I do not want to do any banking online, thank you.
There are far too many horror stories out there. I also like to explain to a real living person what I want to do. I hate 'talking' to a machine that answers my questions & answers with simply more questions.
There are people out there who don't like or trust computers. I'm one of them, as you may have guessed already. :cool2:

I suppose its down to consumer choice.

I don't want to pay through my charges, etc.. for someone who needs branches but as long as I can use an online bank then someone else can provide the analogue version for folk who want to pay for it. Easyjet stylee!!

[Speedy]

As opposed to doing it online do you mean? If so, I do not want to do any banking online, thank you.
There are far too many horror stories out there. I also like to explain to a real living person what I want to do. I hate 'talking' to a machine that answers my questions & answers with simply more questions.
There are people out there who don't like or trust computers. I'm one of them, as you may have guessed already. :cool2:

Other option is a post office if it's just the basics.

You can pay in/withdraw for example.

[snooky]

Other option is a post office if it's just the basics.

You can pay in/withdraw for example.

Thanks for the tip.

Analoguists rule, OK! :wink: :greengrin

[beensaidbefore]

As opposed to doing it online do you mean? If so, I do not want to do any banking online, thank you.
There are far too many horror stories out there. I also like to explain to a real living person what I want to do. I hate 'talking' to a machine that answers my questions & answers with simply more questions.
There are people out there who don't like or trust computers. I'm one of them, as you may have guessed already. :cool2:

Phone banking is my preferred choice. Speak to a person and avoid online banking without having to visit a branch.

[snooky]

Phone banking is my preferred choice. Speak to a person and avoid online banking without having to visit a branch.

Each to his own, I guess. :cool2:

[beensaidbefore]

Embrace the 21st century man, you will be OK, honest. 😂

[Scouse Hibee]

I do online banking but equally there are things I like to go into a branch for.

[snooky]

Embrace the 21st century man, you will be OK, honest. 😂

Vynil is back in vogue :greengrin

[greenlex]

Don't understand anyone not doing online banking to be honest. Particularly on savy enough to use Hibs.net.

[Scouse Hibee]

Don't understand anyone not doing online banking to be honest. Particularly on savy enough to use Hibs.net.

Probably the same reason people still shop on the high street or go to a supermarket rather than sit at a PC and order everything online.

[Sir David Gray]

Three of these are local to me, Stenhousemuir, Denny and Grangemouth.

Very sad and a sign of the times unfortunately.

[greenlex]

Probably the same reason people still shop on the high street or go to a supermarket rather than sit at a PC and order everything online.

Don't follow. Banking is a service rather than something you can see, touch and try. There is no comparison other than the social side of it.

[Scouse Hibee]

Don't follow. Banking is a service rather than something you can see, touch and try. There is no comparison other than the social side of it.

There is social interaction and a personal feeling of being able to speak to a human being. Also folk like to wander along their local high street and do their messages and do errands. I totally get it. I have the facility to do online banking but if I have the time I will always go to a branch. The same with supermarket shopping, I don't try any of our weekly shop in the shop and pretty much I know exactly what we want and what brands we buy but would never dream of doing it online.

[Sir David Gray]

There is social interaction and a personal feeling of being able to speak to a human being. Also folk like to wander along their local high street and do their messages and do errands. I totally get it. I have the facility to do online banking but if I have the time I will always go to a branch. The same with supermarket shopping, I don't try any of our weekly shop in the shop and pretty much I know exactly what we want and what brands we buy but would never dream of doing it online.

Correct. I do some banking online but there are a lot of things that I prefer to go into my local branch for.

I don't think the option of speaking to someone face to face should ever be taken away.

[Hibs Class]

Cannot really blame RBS for the decision, based on the economic argument. Hopefully, though, they'll stop banging on about being at all vested in the local communities that they used to serve. And I imagine that the communities whose local branches have survived this cull will realise that it'll be their turn the next time, or the time after that.

[RyeSloan]

Three of these are local to me, Stenhousemuir, Denny and Grangemouth.

Very sad and a sign of the times unfortunately.

A sign of the times for sure but what's sad about it?

[Just Jimmy]

A sign of the times for sure but what's sad about it?
People lose jobs? Communities are made smaller? Yet less emphasis is put on human to human interaction and replaced with computers?



Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk

[RyeSloan]

People lose jobs? Communities are made smaller? Yet less emphasis is put on human to human interaction and replaced with computers?



Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk

Does losing a bank branch that people don't use do any of those things though?

[Just Jimmy]

Does losing a bank branch that people don't use do any of those things though?
People do use them though. Maybe not in the numbers as they would in a city centre but the truth is they are closing branches which leaves some with miles to travel to the next one. I also assume people do work in them too so the jobs point is fair?

I'm not pro branch as I do most of mine online but I do dislike the trend of not being able to speak to a person face to face. Very soon your supermarket will have no one on the tils either.

Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk

[Scouse Hibee]

The distance some business's/Bowling clubs etc are having to travel to bank their takings is becoming ridiculous.

[Sir David Gray]

A sign of the times for sure but what's sad about it?

Someone else has beaten me to it but I would echo what they've said. People will be losing their jobs as a result of these closures and local people who use their branches will now have to travel several miles to go to their nearest branch and that may not be possible for a lot of people.

I loathe the idea of having less and less human contact in everyday life and having the ability to speak to someone about something if you want to. There's now robots doing the jobs of humans in a lot of sectors including hospitals and whilst it is undoubtedly cost effective, I do think it's extremely sad.

[High-On-Hibs]

My branch is being shut down due to "not enough people using it". Yet, most of the time when i'm in there, i'm stuck in the queue for over an hour! :grr:

Think it's time to leave RBUK and go with a proper independent bank.

[calumhibee1]

I very rarely use the bank in person. I have however noticed that more than one person on this thread has said they wait for over an hour and they don't want the branches closed. Firstly, whenever I use the branch there is nobody there, I walk in, get served straight away and walk straight back out (admittedly I'm not RBS, im BOS). What on earth are you guys waiting for that takes an hour? Secondly, if you wait for over an hour to get served, surely that should be enough to make you use the online services instead? Not a chance would I be standing in an hour long queue at the bank when I could (most likely) do it online.

[lugz]

One of the biggest reasons the branches are closing is because they simply don't make money. A branch can be busy all day but if it's just people taking out money and paying money in its worthless to the bank. The only way banks are going to survive at the moment is through borrowing products.

Within the next 10 years companies like RBS will be 100% online and over the telephone and that goes for all kinds of banking.

[lugz]

My branch is being shut down due to "not enough people using it". Yet, most of the time when i'm in there, i'm stuck in the queue for over an hour! :grr:

Think it's time to leave RBUK and go with a proper independent bank.

I think you've been misinformed if that's what you have been told. It's nothing to do with footfall it's to do with the kind of business going through the branch. As I said in my previous post if people aren't taking out loans, credit cards, mortgages etc the branches are worthless to the bank.

[Beefster]

There is social interaction and a personal feeling of being able to speak to a human being. Also folk like to wander along their local high street and do their messages and do errands. I totally get it. I have the facility to do online banking but if I have the time I will always go to a branch. The same with supermarket shopping, I don't try any of our weekly shop in the shop and pretty much I know exactly what we want and what brands we buy but would never dream of doing it online.

That's all fine and I get it. Just like high street shoppers generally pay a premium over buying something online, it's going to get to the point where folk that want to use a branch are going to have to pay for it though.

[RyeSloan]

Someone else has beaten me to it but I would echo what they've said. People will be losing their jobs as a result of these closures and local people who use their branches will now have to travel several miles to go to their nearest branch and that may not be possible for a lot of people.

I loathe the idea of having less and less human contact in everyday life and having the ability to speak to someone about something if you want to. There's now robots doing the jobs of humans in a lot of sectors including hospitals and whilst it is undoubtedly cost effective, I do think it's extremely sad.

Fair enough and I suppose everyone sees and interacts with the world in different ways.

I get the people losing jobs thing and on a personal level for them that will be tough although I would hope that the banks involved would be able to use these people more effectively in their business rather than just letting them go. Or ultimately these people can be employed elsewhere in the economy where they actually contribute to productivity rather than being employed in delivering a loss making service in terminal decline.

I'm not buying the personal interaction thing hugely though...why do you need personal interaction to do standard banking? Anytime I've used a branch (not often) that interaction has pretty much been to tell me to put my pin into the key pad and that's about it!

Seems to me that after PPI banks can't use this 'interaction' to foist unwanted products on people and therefore their branches no longer make them money...more one up for the consumer than any sadness on that front I would say.

As for automation...well with demographics the way they are that's simply the only way forward. Releasing people from doing mundane and low value tasks is all good in my book. Can't say it's prevented me from talking to someone if I want to but as above I don't really think that most standard banking tasks really need me to talk to anyone...maybe that's just me though as I'd rather just get the task done than enter into mundane chat with a stranger about the weather [emoji12]

[Speedy]

That's all fine and I get it. Just like high street shoppers generally pay a premium over buying something online, it's going to get to the point where folk that want to use a branch are going to have to pay for it though.

Agreed. The big question though, will they.

Most people would be horrified at the thought of paying say £5 per month for a no frills bank account. But the reality is that for most branch regulars it'll cost at least that to break even.

[snooky]

One of the biggest reasons the branches are closing is because they simply don't make money. A branch can be busy all day but if it's just people taking out money and paying money in its worthless to the bank. The only way banks are going to survive at the moment is through borrowing products.

Within the next 10 years companies like RBS will be 100% online and over the telephone and that goes for all kinds of banking.

If I'm lucky, I'll be pushing up the daisies by then. There's always a bright side, eh? :wink:

[Jack]

I'm not sure how many of the branches mentioned will fall into the rural setting, or how many that have already shut do.

There's at least a couple of things us city dwellers that might not think about.

There may not be a signal for these people to bank, or indeed to anything, online. Its not just the position of the bank but their customers living away from the village in even more remote locations.

There's the viability of the villages they serve. Providing a service aside. It may not be much 2 or 3 people leaving a village but its the thin edge of the wedge; the bank goes, a grocer or the butcher goes, the school becomes less viable, the young families move away ... the village ceases to exist! Perhaps an extreme scenario and not blaming all these events on the RBS but ...

[snooky]

I'm not sure how many of the branches mentioned will fall into the rural setting, or how many that have already shut do.

There's at least a couple of things us city dwellers that might not think about.

There may not be a signal for these people to bank, or indeed to anything, online. Its not just the position of the bank but their customers living away from the village in even more remote locations.

There's the viability of the villages they serve. Providing a service aside. It may not be much 2 or 3 people leaving a village but its the thin edge of the wedge; the bank goes, a grocer or the butcher goes, the school becomes less viable, the young families move away ... the village ceases to exist! Perhaps an extreme scenario and not blaming all these events on the RBS but ...
Good point and probably closure of a village's Post Office hurt as much in this way - probably more so.
Everything is not about money (or at least it shouldn't be).

[Hibrandenburg]

There is social interaction and a personal feeling of being able to speak to a human being. Also folk like to wander along their local high street and do their messages and do errands. I totally get it. I have the facility to do online banking but if I have the time I will always go to a branch. The same with supermarket shopping, I don't try any of our weekly shop in the shop and pretty much I know exactly what we want and what brands we buy but would never dream of doing it online.

I recently had to close the accounts of my mother. I haven't a clue how I could have done that other than go to her local branch with death certificate and proof of identification. The staff at the bank were extremely understanding and helpful. There's more to high street banking than just transfers and withdrawals.

[Pete]

I deal in cash quite a lot and should therefore be one of the people who are most effected by branch closures but when I think about it, it's not that big a deal. The only pain is that I might have to drive a bit further.

Even when I do go into a branch I don't interact with anyone. I can pay notes and coins in, take money out and see my balances all at one machine. Moving money between accounts can be done online and if I have a query there is a local voice at the end of a phone.

It's sad in a way but at least I don't have anyone giving me fake chat which is only a preamble to some sales pitch.

And that person who goes along the huge queue asking if there's anything she can do. Yes, you can get behind the ****ing counter and serve people!

Some things I won't miss.

[Lucius Apuleius]

That's Denny down to a one bank town then.

[snooky]

I deal in cash quite a lot and should therefore be one of the people who are most effected by branch closures but when I think about it, it's not that big a deal. The only pain is that I might have to drive a bit further.

Even when I do go into a branch I don't interact with anyone. I can pay notes and coins in, take money out and see my balances all at one machine. Moving money between accounts can be done online and if I have a query there is a local voice at the end of a phone.

It's sad in a way but at least I don't have anyone giving me fake chat which is only a preamble to some sales pitch.

And that person who goes along the huge queue asking if there's anything she can do. Yes, you can get behind the ****ing counter and serve people!

Some things I won't miss.

You obviously have a car Pete, and drive to the bank already.
Some folk don't and have to start relying on public transport to get to their nearest bank.
As Hibrandenburg said "There's more to high street banking than just transfers and withdrawals". He's spot on.

[snooky]

http://www.msn.com/en-gb/money/news/deal-or-no-deal-host-noel-edmonds-claims-he-has-a-secret-rbs-scandal-report/ar-AAsqKJ9?ocid=NL_ENGB_A1_OM2-PID87640

If true, this is no surprise to me. Banks all over the world have been doing this since time immemorial.
I'm of the opinion that bankers see nothing unethical in it. To them, it's just 'business as usual'.

[Pete]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-business-42179432

Ouch. That’s a lot of branches.

[heretoday]

My branch is being shut down due to "not enough people using it". Yet, most of the time when i'm in there, i'm stuck in the queue for over an hour! :grr:

Think it's time to leave RBUK and go with a proper independent bank.
You're right. The queue at the RBS Corstorphine branch is almost out in the street as I speak. I hope the staff laid off at other branches will be deployed here. Somehow I doubt it.

[patch1875]

Must be years since I’ve been in a branch.

[snooky]

Must be years since I’ve been in a branch.

You were standing in the queue outside too then. :tumble:

What a disgraceful way to treat your customers.

[patch1875]

You were standing in the queue outside too then. :tumble:

What a disgraceful way to treat your customers.

Don’t you do online? I bank with Santander business and personal all my business pay ins I can do through the atm.

[Speedy]

You're right. The queue at the RBS Corstorphine branch is almost out in the street as I speak. I hope the staff laid off at other branches will be deployed here. Somehow I doubt it.

The one at the West End is the same.

Have the list of branches been announced yet?

[johnbc70]

The one at the West End is the same.

Have the list of branches been announced yet?

Yes - http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-42192760

Rarely use a branch these days but the fact that in the last 3 years people using branches is down 40% and online banking is up 73% you could see what was coming.

[Mr Grieves]

Don’t you do online? I bank with Santander business and personal all my business pay ins I can do through the atm.

RBS are also getting rid of atm's that are attached to the sites that are closing.

[snooky]

RBS are also getting rid of atm's that are attached to the sites that are closing.

They'd be much better getting rid of some of the heavily bonused knobs at the top.

[Speedy]

Yes - http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-42192760

Rarely use a branch these days but the fact that in the last 3 years people using branches is down 40% and online banking is up 73% you could see what was coming.

Cheers.

It would be interesting to know how much of that 40% is driven by a reduction in demand and how much is due to a reduction in branches.

[johnbc70]

They'd be much better getting rid of some of the heavily bonused knobs at the top.

Who would you replace them with?

[snooky]

Who would you replace them with?

Bank branches and ATMs of course :wink:

[johnbc70]

Bank branches and ATMs of course :wink:

Ha ha, fair enough!

[grunt]

Bank branches and ATMs of course :wink:
What would be the point in that?
If you read this thread you'll see that hardly anyone uses branches these days.
Hence the closures.

[snooky]

What would be the point in that?
If you read this thread you'll see that hardly anyone uses branches these days.
Hence the closures.

I do and the queue is generally out the door. :coffee:

[grunt]

I do and the queue is generally out the door. :coffee:Yes I know you do, and I sympathise.
But I'm wondering whether you need to go to the branch to transact your business.
(I know you've said you prefer doing business with a real person, and I understand that, but could the business you do not be done online?)

[CropleyWasGod]

Yes I know you do, and I sympathise.
But I'm wondering whether you need to go to the branch to transact your business.
(I know you've said you prefer doing business with a real person, and I understand that, but could the business you do not be done online?)Every time I get paid by cheque, i groan. That means i have to go to a bank and pay it in. Now, the pay in facilities are dead easy.... today I was in and out in 5 minutes (whilst the queue for tellers was 15 people long).... but it's becoming increasingly difficult to find a branch to do that sort of business, and it takes ill-afforded time.

Either people have to be educated to pay online....perhaps by making it too expensive to pay by cheque.... or the banks have to provide pay in facilities at the ATM's.

For me, education is the key to, as you suggest, changing people's habits.



Sent from my SM-A510F using Tapatalk

[grunt]

Every time I get paid by cheque, i groan. Me too. But fortunately people are being weaned off cheques. I just had a look at my cheque book. Last one I wrote was in May 2014. And that was to the bank, so probably didn't need to be a cheque.

[johnbc70]

Every time I get paid by cheque, i groan. That means i have to go to a bank and pay it in. Now, the pay in facilities are dead easy.... today I was in and out in 5 minutes (whilst the queue for tellers was 15 people long).... but it's becoming increasingly difficult to find a branch to do that sort of business, and it takes ill-afforded time.

Either people have to be educated to pay online....perhaps by making it too expensive to pay by cheque.... or the banks have to provide pay in facilities at the ATM's.

For me, education is the key to, as you suggest, changing people's habits.



Sent from my SM-A510F using Tapatalk

You can pay in cheques up to £500 online via Barclays App. Sure other banks will be the same, maybe for higher amounts.

[CropleyWasGod]

You can pay in cheques up to £500 online via Barclays App. Sure other banks will be the same, maybe for higher amounts.

AFAIK, it's only Barclay's that do it.

The rest shouldn't be far behind, though.

[Mr White]

AFAIK, it's only Barclay's that do it.

The rest shouldn't be far behind, though.

Bank of Ireland let you pay them in at the ATM. Which slightly offsets the 5 working days they insist on squeezing out of them before they clear. I've stopped taking cheques without any complaints so far.

[CropleyWasGod]

Bank of Ireland let you pay them in at the ATM. Which slightly offsets the 5 working days they insist on squeezing out of them before they clear. I've stopped taking cheques without any complaints so far.

I've found a security hole in the paying-in machines at RBS branches. Inadvertently, I found that I could pay cheques made out to someone else into my account. The machine reads the amount, but not the name.

[Mr White]

I've found a security hole in the paying-in machines at RBS branches. Inadvertently, I found that I could pay cheques made out to someone else into my account. The machine reads the amount, but not the name.

Would that get picked up before the funds clear? I often use the ATM on my local high street for paying in cash out of business hours. Sometimes it takes a few goes before it accepts some of the notes if they're a bit crumpled. I feel a bit exposed standing there in the street with a wad of cash when that happens.

[Hibs Class]

Close branches = drive people online = get them to do their own account maintenance (set up standing orders, bill payments, etc.) = hold customers liable for mistakes they make when doing so. Bank then a) saves on back office staff and b) can deny liability for cases where customers suffer fraud. There might be an economic case for closing branches, but please don't then pretend you are the Royal Bank for Scotland. Because you most certainly are not.

[CropleyWasGod]

Would that get picked up before the funds clear? I often use the ATM on my local high street for paying in cash out of business hours. Sometimes it takes a few goes before it accepts some of the notes if they're a bit crumpled. I feel a bit exposed standing there in the street with a wad of cash when that happens.

Apparently not.

Having done it by mistake, I then did it on purpose a few times to test it. (the 3rd party got their money :greengrin )

It seems to me that there's no human involvement now, and that the software just reads the amount, and the payer's details. All very well in my situation, but it does suggest that cheques aren't as secure as they used to be.

[Mr White]

Apparently not.

Having done it by mistake, I then did it on purpose a few times to test it. (the 3rd party got their money :greengrin )

It seems to me that there's no human involvement now, and that the software just reads the amount, and the payer's details. All very well in my situation, but it does suggest that cheques aren't as secure as they used to be.

It certainly does. I'm now extra glad I've bumped them. Cheers :greengrin

[lord bunberry]

Would that get picked up before the funds clear? I often use the ATM on my local high street for paying in cash out of business hours. Sometimes it takes a few goes before it accepts some of the notes if they're a bit crumpled. I feel a bit exposed standing there in the street with a wad of cash when that happens.
I pay money into the bank at the atm after I finish work sometimes, and I agree, you do feel a bit vulnerable. Thankfully the machines are definitely becoming more reliable at taking the money first time, but I’ve been standing in the street re entering my money three or four times in the past.

[Mr White]

I pay money into the bank at the atm after I finish work sometimes, and I agree, you do feel a bit vulnerable. Thankfully the machines are definitely becoming more reliable at taking the money first time, but I’ve been standing in the street re entering my money three or four times in the past.

Aye the ones over here are probably second-hand ones from the mainland :greengrin

[Scouse Hibee]

Aye the ones over here are probably second-hand ones from the mainland :greengrin

Laundered 😁

[snooky]

Close branches = drive people online = get them to do their own account maintenance (set up standing orders, bill payments, etc.) = hold customers liable for mistakes they make when doing so. Bank then a) saves on back office staff and b) can deny liability for cases where customers suffer fraud. There might be an economic case for closing branches, but please don't then pretend you are the Royal Bank for Scotland. Because you most certainly are not.

:aok:. :not worth

[Fuzzywuzzy]

I used to work for RBS and we used to have an event called techstock. One of the presenters said that the people that use branches are dying off and more people are using digital/online. Also that that the costs couldn't be justified. For you to make a transaction in a branch was just over £4 and a transaction on the app/digital was under £1. You can understand why they are doing this while at the same time being pissed off. From going from having Newbridge, broxburn or linlithgow it'll only be Newbridge now if I ever need it.

[lord bunberry]

I used to work for RBS and we used to have an event called techstock. One of the presenters said that the people that use branches are dying off and more people are using digital/online. Also that that the costs couldn't be justified. For you to make a transaction in a branch was just over £4 and a transaction on the app/digital was under £1. You can understand why they are doing this while at the same time being pissed off. From going from having Newbridge, broxburn or linlithgow it'll only be Newbridge now if I ever need it.
It would help if RBS had more of the new style cash machines that allow you to pay money straight into your bank account outwith banking hours. I bank with Santander, and all their branches have those atm machines installed outside.

[heretoday]

It would help if RBS had more of the new style cash machines that allow you to pay money straight into your bank account outwith banking hours. I bank with Santander, and all their branches have those atm machines installed outside.

I bank with Santander too. The Corstorphine branch will close next May.

They're all at it!

[snooky]

I bank with Santander too. The Corstorphine branch will close next May.

They're all at it!

Awe naw. They were my last hope for turning the trend around.
That's like discovering your last stashed bottle of whisky empty.

[snooky]

http://www.heraldscotland.com/politics/15705936.Mundell_to_read_Riot_Act_to_RBS_chiefs_ov er_branch_closure_plan/

I bet RBS are quaking in their boots at the thought of rough Fluff bluffing tough stuff and puffing guff oot his chuff.

[Fuzzywuzzy]

It would help if RBS had more of the new style cash machines that allow you to pay money straight into your bank account outwith banking hours. I bank with Santander, and all their branches have those atm machines installed outside.

Totally. problem being, they spent millions refitting branches and closed them anyway (d'mains being an example). It's faster and easier. I had to go into Newbridge the other day to pay money in. Big queue and only the quick deposit option. Needs a complete refit

[heretoday]

Awe naw. They were my last hope for turning the trend around.
That's like discovering your last stashed bottle of whisky empty.

Meanwhile Santander have two branches in Morningside Road. It's all about footfall I guess.

[snooky]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-42723096

Part of RBS's Mr Matheson's response to the MP committee on Bank closures ...

Mr Matheson added: "We understand that customers are concerned about the change, that customers find change difficult, and we are committed to helping them through that process, and we have lots of ways of doing that.
"We are both personally committed, as are all of our colleagues, to helping every individual customer."

Comment by MP Pete Wishart ....

(He) told the RBS representatives: "I think what's also disappointing is your defiant response to this, where you are singularly saying you are refusing to reconsider any of these closures which is going down particularly badly in a number of rural areas."

RBS more or less saying "Stuff you and what you want. Although we'll deny it, we're in business to make lotsa money and you don't really matter."

Their attitude to the man/woman in the street really is the pits. Maybe if all their customers treated them the same and just bail out then RBS policy makers could go and stuff themselves instead. :grr:

[SouthsideHarp_Bhoy]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-42723096

Part of RBS's Mr Matheson's response to the MP committee on Bank closures ...

Mr Matheson added: "We understand that customers are concerned about the change, that customers find change difficult, and we are committed to helping them through that process, and we have lots of ways of doing that.
"We are both personally committed, as are all of our colleagues, to helping every individual customer."

Comment by MP Pete Wishart ....

(He) told the RBS representatives: "I think what's also disappointing is your defiant response to this, where you are singularly saying you are refusing to reconsider any of these closures which is going down particularly badly in a number of rural areas."

RBS more or less saying "Stuff you and what you want. Although we'll deny it, we're in business to make lotsa money and you don't really matter."

Their attitude to the man/woman in the street really is the pits. Maybe if all their customers treated them the same and just bail out then RBS policy makers could go and stuff themselves instead. :grr:

I doubt that RBS would deny they are in business to make money, they are a bank afterall!!

If branches are losing money, then i dont see the problem with closing them. We moan when RBS make losses, this is them trying to reverse that.

Also, every other bank is doing similarly.

If there is such a public good angle, the government should just nationalise them...

[snooky]

I doubt that RBS would deny they are in business to make money, they are a bank afterall!!

If branches are losing money, then i dont see the problem with closing them. We moan when RBS make losses, this is them trying to reverse that.

Also, every other bank is doing similarly.

If there is such a public good angle, the government should just nationalise them...

Great idea :aok:
Mind you, I thought that RBS was 'nationalised' ... of a sort? :wink:

[Jack]

I doubt that RBS would deny they are in business to make money, they are a bank afterall!!

If branches are losing money, then i dont see the problem with closing them. We moan when RBS make losses, this is them trying to reverse that.

Also, every other bank is doing similarly.

If there is such a public good angle, the government should just nationalise them...

But the RBS are saying it's not about money.

They claim the branches are closing because customers are using other methods to access their accounts.

My question would be 'then why are you closing branches where internet access is poor and access through phone apps even more difficult?'

If what they claim isn't a lie then surely it's the branches in urban areas, where internet and app access is good, that should be thinned out a bit!

[SouthsideHarp_Bhoy]

Great idea :aok:
Mind you, I thought that RBS was 'nationalised' ... of a sort? :wink:

😉

[SouthsideHarp_Bhoy]

But the RBS are saying it's not about money.

They claim the branches are closing because customers are using other methods to access their accounts.

My question would be 'then why are you closing branches where internet access is poor and access through phone apps even more difficult?'

If what they claim isn't a lie then surely it's the branches in urban areas, where internet and app access is good, that should be thinned out a bit!

Well clearly thats pish ( what RBS have said, i mean).

If customers arent using branches (which i believe) then its a cost with no benefit. Any business would be mad to keep open a huge network of branches/shops that were losing them money.

I dont know why they would say its not about the money though. Otherwise, why close them??

[Jack]

Well clearly thats pish ( what RBS have said, i mean).

If customers arent using branches (which i believe) then its a cost with no benefit. Any business would be mad to keep open a huge network of branches/shops that were losing them money.

I dont know why they would say its not about the money though. Otherwise, why close them??

Because people are using the internet and apps to do their banking!

[snooky]

Because people are using the internet and apps to do their banking!

Everytime I go into my local (now not so local) branch, it's stowed out the door. Go figure.

[Speedy]

But the RBS are saying it's not about money.

They claim the branches are closing because customers are using other methods to access their accounts.

My question would be 'then why are you closing branches where internet access is poor and access through phone apps even more difficult?'

If what they claim isn't a lie then surely it's the branches in urban areas, where internet and app access is good, that should be thinned out a bit!

Have they actually said it's not about the money? They may not have said "it's about the money" but that doesn't mean it isn't, it almost goes without saying.

There undoubtedly will be a change in customer behaviour but there is a bit more to it than that imo, they'll be closing branches because the people using branches either don't need to and/or they are using them for things that don't generate any money.

Regarding the urban/rural point, they're closing both - quite a few branches in Edinburgh have been closed over the last 5 years or so.

[Jack]

Have they actually said it's not about the money? They may not have said "it's about the money" but that doesn't mean it isn't, it almost goes without saying.

There undoubtedly will be a change in customer behaviour but there is a bit more to it than that imo, they'll be closing branches because the people using branches either don't need to and/or they are using them for things that don't generate any money.

Regarding the urban/rural point, they're closing both - quite a few branches in Edinburgh have been closed over the last 5 years or so.

"Committee chairman Pete Wishart told the meeting that he had not experienced such an overwhelming negative response to a single issue in his 17 years as an SNP MP.

He told the RBS representatives: "I think what's also disappointing is your defiant response to this, where you are singularly saying you are refusing to reconsider any of these closures which is going down particularly badly in a number of rural areas."

However Jane Howard, managing director of personal banking, and Les Matheson, chief executive of personal and business banking, told the committee that the closures would save the bank £9.5m annually.

*****But they insisted the decision had not been taken to save money. ******"

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-42723096

[Hibrandenburg]

If your local bank closes, close your account and open another in a different nearby bank, vote with your feet.

[Speedy]

"Committee chairman Pete Wishart told the meeting that he had not experienced such an overwhelming negative response to a single issue in his 17 years as an SNP MP.

He told the RBS representatives: "I think what's also disappointing is your defiant response to this, where you are singularly saying you are refusing to reconsider any of these closures which is going down particularly badly in a number of rural areas."

However Jane Howard, managing director of personal banking, and Les Matheson, chief executive of personal and business banking, told the committee that the closures would save the bank £9.5m annually.

*****But they insisted the decision had not been taken to save money. ******"

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-42723096

Surprised at that. It clearly is about saving money.

[johnbc70]

If your local bank closes, close your account and open another in a different nearby bank, vote with your feet.

Research shows your more likely to change your partner than your bank account.

[WeeRussell]

Research shows your more likely to change your partner than your bank account.

Especially if your partner was to move outwith walking distance to her.

[heretoday]

I dunno. We bail them out and this is how they treat us.

[CropleyWasGod]

I dunno. We bail them out and this is how they treat us.

This is the kind of post we miss Andy74 for :greengrin

[bigwheel]

This is the kind of post we miss Andy74 for :greengrin

Where is A74??

[JeMeSouviens]

Where is A74??

Carlisle?

[CropleyWasGod]

Where is A74??


Carlisle?

Under 6 feet of snow, apparently.

[bigwheel]

Under 6 feet of snow, apparently.

Humour on . net. Well I never [emoji6]

[ronaldo7]

Compassion from Kevin McKenna, well I never.

https://t.co/4XcLen4u10

[snooky]

Compassion from Kevin McKenna, well I never.

https://t.co/4XcLen4u10

Bankers are overtaking lawyers in the Skuzball Championship League.

[jonty]

Because people are using the internet and apps to do their banking!

So, random thought.
Its not about the money (which it obviously is, albeit 'only' £10 million) so why not:

Staff the branches with RBS staff who know about the apps.
provide coffee and free wifi for customers
Staff can educate customers on how to use the apps
provide private cubicle/office space for transactions which require more than just the 'apps'
Deposits can be made via those funky machines that take cheques/cash




By removing some of the banking functions (and staff) there is less annual cost to offset any incurred costs.
All at the risk of being accused of putting local coffee shops out of business.


OK, so its not a real solution (if it was im sure its already been thought of and dismissed) but you'd think there would be some wacky solution.

[snooky]

So, random thought.
Its not about the money (which it obviously is, albeit 'only' £10 million) so why not:

Staff the branches with RBS staff who know about the apps.
provide coffee and free wifi for customers
Staff can educate customers on how to use the apps
provide private cubicle/office space for transactions which require more than just the 'apps'
Deposits can be made via those funky machines that take cheques/cash




By removing some of the banking functions (and staff) there is less annual cost to offset any incurred costs.
All at the risk of being accused of putting local coffee shops out of business.


OK, so its not a real solution (if it was im sure its already been thought of and dismissed) but you'd think there would be some wacky solution.

You should get the top job at RBS.... but you won't because you have far too much common sense and intelligence.

[Scouse Hibee]

Research shows your more likely to change your partner than your bank account.

Depends if your partner is still accepting deposits or insists on withdrawals only.

[snooky]

Depends if your partner is still accepting deposits or insists on withdrawals only.

:aok: :top marks

Alas, I'm losing interest every year I get older.

[IWasThere2016]

So, random thought.
Its not about the money (which it obviously is, albeit 'only' £10 million) so why not:

Staff the branches with RBS staff who know about the apps.
provide coffee and free wifi for customers
Staff can educate customers on how to use the apps
provide private cubicle/office space for transactions which require more than just the 'apps'
Deposits can be made via those funky machines that take cheques/cash


By removing some of the banking functions (and staff) there is less annual cost to offset any incurred costs.
All at the risk of being accused of putting local coffee shops out of business.

OK, so its not a real solution (if it was im sure its already been thought of and dismissed) but you'd think there would be some wacky solution.

Why can't banks share premises - so your idea would work in one place and several banks offering the same service.. or site the bank(s) inside a supermarket to dilute the costs further?

I agree it is clearly about cost...

[Just Jimmy]

Like the did with smaller post office branches. Just stick a small customer service counter in a larger central place. Supermarket is a decent shout. Have a pay in machine and an ATM and one person to give advice on customer service issues.

Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk

[Just Alf]

Agreed, the Post office were obliged to provide some sort of replacement as part of their licence... Same as they (and Openreach with phone/broadband) have to give a universal delivery service even in places that are uneconomical to serve.

The banks should have sort of similar obligations


Sent from my SM-G925F using Tapatalk

[jonty]

Why can't banks share premises - so your idea would work in one place and several banks offering the same service.. or site the bank(s) inside a supermarket to dilute the costs further?

I agree it is clearly about cost...

Smaller towns where the branches are closing would be unlikely to have available footprint in a supermarket (or confidential/quiet areas)
Theres nothing to stop an independent opening an area for banking but i doubt banks would be keen on sharing this co-op area.

But then, I don't know much about banking :greengrin

[RyeSloan]

Agreed, the Post office were obliged to provide some sort of replacement as part of their licence... Same as they (and Openreach with phone/broadband) have to give a universal delivery service even in places that are uneconomical to serve.

The banks should have sort of similar obligations


Sent from my SM-G925F using Tapatalk

Obliged because they have been given £160m over three years to fund it...

[7 Up]

Everytime I go into my local (now not so local) branch, it's stowed out the door. Go figure.

I was in the RBS at the West End last week and it was mobbed. People were getting ratty because they were waiting 10-15 mins just to get to the counter.

[ACLeith]

I was in the RBS at the West End last week and it was mobbed. People were getting ratty because they were waiting 10-15 mins just to get to the counter.

That is the closest branch to Bernard Street in Leith. Which is a big reason why if you ONLY wait 10-15 minutes you are relieved! Last time I was in I waited 20 and others behind me in the queue would be closer to 30.

[MartinfaePorty]

Last time I worked in a branch (early-mid 90s) we had mystery shoppers marking us down if they were served after 2 minutes!

Sent from my SM-A520F using Tapatalk

[snooky]

....and they're still at it --> https://www.thesouthernreporter.co.uk/news/sign-of-times-as-rbs-puts-in-plans-to-remove-cashpoint-and-branding-at-borders-branch-1-4698772

Note the 'pants-on-fire' paragraph >>>
"RBS says the branch had an average of 53 customers a week (:fibber:), but a Sunday Mail survey found it was used by 151 customers in just one day. If those numbers reflect an average day, it would mean the outlet could expect to see more than 1,000 customers a week".

I've banked with the RBS all my life and I'm totally disgusted by with way their policy planners are treating the customers.
Is there an underlying reason for all these shenanigans? Something subvertive such as trying to close the RBS down completely? One has to wonder sometimes. What happens when all the punters close their accounts and go elsewhere? What then, Mr McEwan?

[ACLeith]

I've banked with the RBS all my life and I'm totally disgusted by with way their policy planners are treating the customers.
Is there an underlying reason for all these shenanigans? Something subvertive such as trying to close the RBS down completely? One has to wonder sometimes. What happens when all the punters close their accounts and go elsewhere? What then, Mr McEwan?

I had been with them for over 50 years, but finally lost patience with them, or I should say specifically the local Leith branch. Regularly stood for upwards of 20 minutes in a queue to carry out a simple transaction lasting a couple of minutes - that I couldn't do at the machines. Also, a recent simple query took 3 visits before I found someone who knew anything and could resolve it. Probably not the staff's fault, as major under-staffing coupled with lack of training seemed to be the main culprit.

I switched to BOS using the automated 7-day switch service. Not holding BOS up as a paragon of virtue, but their Leith branch is excellent. Properly staffed, helpful, busy but never too long to wait.

I did wonder if the switch would work like they said it would, it did, everything switched over. Direct Credits all working, as are Direct Debits out (sadly!), hardly needed to do anything myself.

Would recommend this, but obviously depends where you live/bank

[Pete]

They shut the branch at Dalgety bay (which was always busy) so using Dunfermline is now a bit of a mare as there’s always long queues.

One thing I did see was what looked like a converted horse box with “RBS mobile branch” on the side of it, only meters away from the aforementioned branch they closed. It looked bizarre and proves that there is still demand for a walk in branch.

[johnbc70]

There has been a lot of investment in the bank account switching service, if people are unhappy they should switch.

Like you switch electricity or gas or broadband, you should switch if you can get a better deal elsewhere.

[Pretty Boy]

I had been with them for over 50 years, but finally lost patience with them, or I should say specifically the local Leith branch. Regularly stood for upwards of 20 minutes in a queue to carry out a simple transaction lasting a couple of minutes - that I couldn't do at the machines. Also, a recent simple query took 3 visits before I found someone who knew anything and could resolve it. Probably not the staff's fault, as major under-staffing coupled with lack of training seemed to be the main culprit.

I switched to BOS using the automated 7-day switch service. Not holding BOS up as a paragon of virtue, but their Leith branch is excellent. Properly staffed, helpful, busy but never too long to wait.

I did wonder if the switch would work like they said it would, it did, everything switched over. Direct Credits all working, as are Direct Debits out (sadly!), hardly needed to do anything myself.

Would recommend this, but obviously depends where you live/bank

I still have my RBS account, which I have had since I was about 12, but it sits empty now as like you I do all my transactions through BOS since opening an account with them about 3 years ago and switching my salary payment etc about a year ago.

They aren’t without their faults but the superior service compared to RBS, in and out of branch, is noticeable.

[snooky]

Interesting to hear about peoples' experiences switching to BoS.
At what point will RBS start listening to their dissatified customers?
Maybe they just don't give a toss. It certainly appears that way.

[snooky]

:fibber: + :bandit: + :clown: = RBS

https://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/rbs-accused-of-using-misleading-figures-to-justify-branch-closures-1-4700136

[hibby6270]

Been keeping an eye on this thread for a month or two.

Everyone who complains about waiting in a queue should be asking themselves - what are the others waiting in the queue for that can’t be done online, on the phone or using the mobile app?

For me there probably only 4 types of every day transactions that need to / must be carried out in a bank branch and even then, you do have the alternative option of using the Post Office for these.

1) Paying in cheques
2) Paying in cash
3) Obtaining or exchanging foreign currency (even this you can do in countless other places - M&S, P.O. for example.
4) Cash exchange for coin/change for shops/businesses.

OK - there may be the odd one off type of transaction you need to see a real person about - deceased relative, register a Power if Attorney, sharedealing, specialist investment advice are examples - but even these are dealt with by specialist departments once they are passed on by the branch and any subsequent dealings you’d have are direct with that department.

The vast majority of everyday banking transactions - balance enquiry, bank statements, bill payments, funds transfers between accounts, money transfers to friends/relatives, set up/amend/cancel standing orders, cancel direct debits, report lost cards, view credit card transaction/statements, change card PIN, and several other requests related to your account - can be carried out online, by phone or via mobile phone.

Now, I’m assuming that everyone who has contributed to this thread is in some way internet aware and is used to using it for day to day use. So, why is it such a big deal NOT to use your bank’s online presence to do your every day banking? It baffles me or is everyone so resistant to change and adopt the “that’s the way I’ve always done and he’ll mend the bank for wanting me to change my habits”?

That really is ‘sticking your head in the sand’ attitude and won’t make any difference to progress towards an eve4 increasing need to move to a online environment across all aspects of our lives.

Embrace it and you’ll probably find it does you good in the long run.

So what makes me such an “expert”? I worked with RBS for 41 years (been retired now for 18 months) and have seen many cultural changes that affected customers over the years. Some I thought were mad, some that were an improvement on what was there before. Whether we like it or not, banking has now become virtually a self serve setup using the 3 main channels available - internet, phone, mobile.

Like it or lump it, branches in all banks, are reducing rapidly. 20 to 30 years ago banks were opening new branches like snow falling off a dyke but that was all pre internet, etc. Now those 3 channels have become as established as they are, branch closures are now the norm and in reality always have been.. Back when I first started RBS had 7 branches in the North Leith area alone. Slowly but surely they have all closed over the years for exactly the same reasons that current closures are being touted. Lack of customer usage and fixed costs that didn’t warrant keeping them open. Time will come in the not too distant future (maybe we’ve reached that point now?) where there will only be large regional offices to deal with the non everyday transactions only that I mentioned earlier.

We are just going to have to accept it.

[ACLeith]

That really is ‘sticking your head in the sand’ attitude and won’t make any difference to progress towards an eve4 increasing need to move to a online environment across all aspects of our lives.

Embrace it and you’ll probably find it does you good in the long run.

I guess I'm one of the ostriches you are castigating. FYI I do almost all my personal banking online, everything you mention, I embrace technology. I am treasurer of 3 small charities, plus one not-for-profit group and am a little involved in financial matters for another charity. Of these, 2 are with BOS, 3 with RBS. The difference in customer awareness and support between the 2 organisations is obvious. Having a charity change banks is more problematic, so I chose to make my "protest" by moving my personal banking.

I wonder how much of your 41 years experience has been at the sharp end, working as a teller in a branch? Particularly in recent times?

One change I have noticed in the relatively recent past with RBS is that whilst before, branch staff would find out what customers were wanting and be able to take them away from the queue to have them dealt with ("meet and greet" facility); this disappeared and as a result I regularly noticed a customer working with a teller for a considerable period of time on what was a more complex issue. Add that to some local businesses paying in large amounts of cash that for some reason they could not, or would not or did not know how to, do at the machines. Hence the frustrating waits.

As someone else mentioned, if people are unhappy, switch if practical. If enough do so, maybe someone would begin to ask questions. But maybe I am being naïve thinking that.

[Speedy]

I guess I'm one of the ostriches you are castigating. FYI I do almost all my personal banking online, everything you mention, I embrace technology. I am treasurer of 3 small charities, plus one not-for-profit group and am a little involved in financial matters for another charity. Of these, 2 are with BOS, 3 with RBS. The difference in customer awareness and support between the 2 organisations is obvious. Having a charity change banks is more problematic, so I chose to make my "protest" by moving my personal banking.

I wonder how much of your 41 years experience has been at the sharp end, working as a teller in a branch? Particularly in recent times?

One change I have noticed in the relatively recent past with RBS is that whilst before, branch staff would find out what customers were wanting and be able to take them away from the queue to have them dealt with ("meet and greet" facility); this disappeared and as a result I regularly noticed a customer working with a teller for a considerable period of time on what was a more complex issue. Add that to some local businesses paying in large amounts of cash that for some reason they could not, or would not or did not know how to, do at the machines. Hence the frustrating waits.

As someone else mentioned, if people are unhappy, switch if practical. If enough do so, maybe someone would begin to ask questions. But maybe I am being naïve thinking that.

It has to be said, the queues seem to be notoriously bad at RBS branches.

Corstorphine and Princes Street are always bad whenever I pass.

[snooky]

I guess I'm one of the ostriches you are castigating. FYI I do almost all my personal banking online, everything you mention, I embrace technology. I am treasurer of 3 small charities, plus one not-for-profit group and am a little involved in financial matters for another charity. Of these, 2 are with BOS, 3 with RBS. The difference in customer awareness and support between the 2 organisations is obvious. Having a charity change banks is more problematic, so I chose to make my "protest" by moving my personal banking.

I wonder how much of your 41 years experience has been at the sharp end, working as a teller in a branch? Particularly in recent times?

One change I have noticed in the relatively recent past with RBS is that whilst before, branch staff would find out what customers were wanting and be able to take them away from the queue to have them dealt with ("meet and greet" facility); this disappeared and as a result I regularly noticed a customer working with a teller for a considerable period of time on what was a more complex issue. Add that to some local businesses paying in large amounts of cash that for some reason they could not, or would not or did not know how to, do at the machines. Hence the frustrating waits.

As someone else mentioned, if people are unhappy, switch if practical. If enough do so, maybe someone would begin to ask questions. But maybe I am being naïve thinking that.
I'm about to. Sick to death of the RBS's attitude towards it's average customer. They really don't give a toss about us.

[hibby6270]

I guess I'm one of the ostriches you are castigating. FYI I do almost all my personal banking online, everything you mention, I embrace technology. I am treasurer of 3 small charities, plus one not-for-profit group and am a little involved in financial matters for another charity. Of these, 2 are with BOS, 3 with RBS. The difference in customer awareness and support between the 2 organisations is obvious. Having a charity change banks is more problematic, so I chose to make my "protest" by moving my personal banking.

I wonder how much of your 41 years experience has been at the sharp end, working as a teller in a branch? Particularly in recent times?

One change I have noticed in the relatively recent past with RBS is that whilst before, branch staff would find out what customers were wanting and be able to take them away from the queue to have them dealt with ("meet and greet" facility); this disappeared and as a result I regularly noticed a customer working with a teller for a considerable period of time on what was a more complex issue. Add that to some local businesses paying in large amounts of cash that for some reason they could not, or would not or did not know how to, do at the machines. Hence the frustrating waits.

As someone else mentioned, if people are unhappy, switch if practical. If enough do so, maybe someone would begin to ask questions. But maybe I am being naïve thinking that.

OK. You’ve found me out. I admit not being “at the sharp end” in a Branch for around 20 years. Got out of that environment when the “sales culture” took hold. Didn’t entirely agree with it, at least not the aggressiveness it had to be played out as. In a way I do have sympathy for those who have to use a branch for the “non essential”(?) banking transactions. They are definitely hindered by those who insist going to a branch to pay their monthly catalogue account or quarterly gas bill, when transactions like that can easily be done online or by phone.

What can’t be underestimated in the past 10 years is the hidden pressure (rightly so BTW) put on RBS to slim down the business and become a profitable organisation to put it back into the private sector asap. Some things have to give in these circumstances and front line public facing staff and branches are those commodities that have been sacrificed.

Oh and btw - slightly off topic - what about Carl McHugh’s goal. Ya beauty!!

[snooky]

OK. You’ve found me out. I admit not being “at the sharp end” in a Branch for around 20 years. Got out of that environment when the “sales culture” took hold. Didn’t entirely agree with it, at least not the aggressiveness it had to be played out as. In a way I do have sympathy for those who have to use a branch for the “non essential”(?) banking transactions. They are definitely hindered by those who insist going to a branch to pay their monthly catalogue account or quarterly gas bill, when transactions like that can easily be done online or by phone.

What can’t be underestimated in the past 10 years is the hidden pressure (rightly so BTW) put on RBS to slim down the business and become a profitable organisation to put it back into the private sector asap. Some things have to give in these circumstances and front line public facing staff and branches are those commodities that have been sacrificed.

Oh and btw - slightly off topic - what about Carl McHugh’s goal. Ya beauty!!

Excluding executives bonuses, of course. :whistle:

[hibby6270]

Excluding executives bonuses, of course. :whistle:

Well? Not quite the case.
Yes - there are still Exec bonuses, and to you or me they may seem a tad on the large side. However, it is fair to say that current amounts paid out are nowhere near as excessive as they were back in Fred Goodwin era. Also, my understanding is that most bonuses now are paid in future share options that can be cashed in at a future date but only if certain criteria are met. In other words although they may have been ‘awarded’, they can still be clawed back at a later date.

Whether or not they ever are is another question!!

[ACLeith]

Oh and btw - slightly off topic - what about Carl McHugh’s goal. Ya beauty!! A perfect response sir! I was out all afternoon, trying to socialise with friends whilst watching my phone for updates. Not seen it yet but happy to focus on what unites us and accept your opinion 👍👍

[hibby6270]

A perfect response sir! I was out all afternoon, trying to socialise with friends whilst watching my phone for updates. Not seen it yet but happy to focus on what unites us and accept your opinion 👍👍

:thumbsup:

[snooky]

Well? Not quite the case.
Yes - there are still Exec bonuses, and to you or me they may seem a tad on the large side. However, it is fair to say that current amounts paid out are nowhere near as excessive as they were back in Fred Goodwin era. Also, my understanding is that most bonuses now are paid in future share options that can be cashed in at a future date but only if certain criteria are met. In other words although they may have been ‘awarded’, they can still be clawed back at a later date.

Whether or not they ever are is another question!!

What is your definition of 'a tad' in terms of ££££s?

I'm sure we'd all welcome one of these tads as a suppliment to our wages. :wink:

[hibby6270]

What is your definition of 'a tad' in terms of ££££s?

I'm sure we'd all welcome one of these tads as a suppliment to our wages. :wink:

What is ‘a tad’ in £££s? Depends on the level of seniority/authority of the job. Every role has a wage level. The higher you go in an organisation the higher that ’tad’ becomes. It’s the way of the world unfortunately. Even in communist states where everyone is supposed to be the same there is still a hierarchy that benefits those at the top more than the workers. As George Orwell’s book Animal Farm says “All animals are equal but some animals are more equal than others”.

You’re quite right though. We always want our wages supplemented in some way. Only way to earn ‘a tad’ more though is to apply for one of those Exec jobs and get it. An unlikely scenario - at least in my case anyway. Being honest it’s not something I ever aspired to. Maybe I should have.

Execs take a fair amount of criticism, sometimes rightly and sometimes wrongly but that’s why they get paid what they do. What used to really irk me though was how the public treated the front line staff. Because they were just that, the face of the organisation, they get subjected to all sorts especially nowadays. Yes - I realise that’s as a result of decisions made by “those at the top” but people should be able to distinguish between the ‘Janet & John’ on the counter and that it’s not their fault things are as they are. Glad I’m out of it now.

[snooky]

What is ‘a tad’ in £££s? Depends on the level of seniority/authority of the job. Every role has a wage level. The higher you go in an organisation the higher that ’tad’ becomes. It’s the way of the world unfortunately. Even in communist states where everyone is supposed to be the same there is still a hierarchy that benefits those at the top more than the workers. As George Orwell’s book Animal Farm says “All animals are equal but some animals are more equal than others”.

You’re quite right though. We always want our wages supplemented in some way. Only way to earn ‘a tad’ more though is to apply for one of those Exec jobs and get it. An unlikely scenario - at least in my case anyway. Being honest it’s not something I ever aspired to. Maybe I should have.

Execs take a fair amount of criticism, sometimes rightly and sometimes wrongly but that’s why they get paid what they do. What used to really irk me though was how the public treated the front line staff. Because they were just that, the face of the organisation, they get subjected to all sorts especially nowadays. Yes - I realise that’s as a result of decisions made by “those at the top” but people should be able to distinguish between the ‘Janet & John’ on the counter and that it’s not their fault things are as they are. Glad I’m out of it now.

Actually Hibby6270, re. 'a tad', it was a rhetoric question however, thanks for answering it anyway.

FWIW, the tellers at both RBS branches I use are brilliant. They deserve all the credit they get. They are having to deal with the public and try to defend the bank's anti-customer agenda whether they (the tellers) agree with it or not.
In a way, I'm also trying to save their jobs by continuing to be a walk-up customer.

....and now for some more news on the RBS's popularity.
https://www.scotsman.com/business/companies/retail/rbs-ranked-near-bottom-of-table-in-search-for-britain-s-best-bank-1-4700875

[snooky]

RBS to cut 162 branches and 792 jobs in England & Wales
I think what they are doing is implementing all the bad stuff so that they can flog off a nice tidy business to themselves and their pals down the road.

[lord bunberry]

I had the misfortune to have to go into the branch in Musselburgh twice in the last month. Both times the queue was right round the inside of the bank. I refuse to believe that closing branches is for the reasons their saying. So many people just came in and left right away. I’ve never seen queues like that in any of the other banks.

[snooky]

https://dailybusinessgroup.co.uk/2018/05/rbs-chiefs-have-let-down-communities-say-mps/

RBS's CEO getting aroasting from the MPa Committee on closures.
Here are a few selected quotes from the article.

Conservative MP John Lamont told Mr McEwan that RBS had “completely misunderstood” rural communities.

Labour MP for Rutherglen and Hamilton West Ged Killen, said: “The answers given by Mr McEwan to the committee this morning were vague when we wanted specifics and focused on specifics when we asked for the bigger picture.
“It is wishful thinking on RBS’s part to think that online, telephone and mobile banking can fill the gap left by lost branches.
“RBS tell us that they are customer-focused but pressing ahead with these unpopular closures flies in the face of that. They also tell us that profit is not the motivation here and that the closures will only save £9.5million. If that is true the closures make even less sense.
“That is a drop in the ocean for a bank which made a pre-tax profits of £1.2billion in the first quarter of this year, yet risks doing untold damage to communities across Scotland.”

Footnote: The BBC's report on this RBS/MP meeting is somewhat diluted - I wonder why?

[Beefster]

https://dailybusinessgroup.co.uk/2018/05/rbs-chiefs-have-let-down-communities-say-mps/

RBS's CEO getting aroasting from the MPa Committee on closures.
Here are a few selected quotes from the article.

Conservative MP John Lamont told Mr McEwan that RBS had “completely misunderstood” rural communities.

Labour MP for Rutherglen and Hamilton West Ged Killen, said: “The answers given by Mr McEwan to the committee this morning were vague when we wanted specifics and focused on specifics when we asked for the bigger picture.
“It is wishful thinking on RBS’s part to think that online, telephone and mobile banking can fill the gap left by lost branches.
“RBS tell us that they are customer-focused but pressing ahead with these unpopular closures flies in the face of that. They also tell us that profit is not the motivation here and that the closures will only save £9.5million. If that is true the closures make even less sense.
“That is a drop in the ocean for a bank which made a pre-tax profits of £1.2billion in the first quarter of this year, yet risks doing untold damage to communities across Scotland.”

Footnote: The BBC's report on this RBS/MP meeting is somewhat diluted - I wonder why?

The BBC report - http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-business-44031755 - is slightly longer than the one you linked to and has a short video from the session. 'Diluted' how?

[snooky]

The BBC report - http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-business-44031755 - is slightly longer than the one you linked to and has a short video from the session. 'Diluted' how?

I meant the quotes that I put in my post - which I thought were the main points of the meeting as far as us punters are concerned - were somehow missing from the Beeb report. I thought their coverage was (intentionally?) bland.

[snooky]

Fatty Foukes giving Baroness Noakes laldy for her non-action as an RBS non-Executive director.
I tend to agree with him for once however, the funny part is the unfortunate acronym for the Baroness's position. :greengrin

From EEN
Furious Lord Foulkes said: “What concerns me most is your belief that non executives should not challenge the executives. That is exactly how RBS got into trouble originally. The NEDs were afraid to challenge Fred Goodwin when he was making some manifestly unwise decisions which resulted in the collapse of the bank.”

[snooky]

RBS to cut 162 branches and 792 jobs in England & Wales
I think what they are doing is implementing all the bad stuff so that they can flog off a nice tidy business to themselves and their pals down the road.


https://stv.tv/news/uk/1417263-treasury-offloads-royal-bank-of-scotland-shares/


Jeez, didn't see that coming! :rolleyes:

[jonty]

https://stv.tv/news/uk/1417263-treasury-offloads-royal-bank-of-scotland-shares/


Jeez, didn't see that coming! :rolleyes:

They were always going to offload some shares as soon as the last 'major' hurdle to dividends was 'resolved'.

Between dividend payments and the state of the economy since they 'rescued' the world (Gordon Brown :greengrin) any loss more than makes up for the pain and suffering millions would have gone through if the bank (and others) had folded.
That wont help the pensioners and long time small share holders who have almost lost everything since the collapse but something is better than nothing.
I still think Fred and his team of 'advisors' need locking up. They should lose everything, if only to put them on a level footing with all the lives they've ruined.

[snooky]

Just in case you're still wondering what you are doing wrong, Ross....... :doh:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-business-45061445

[jonty]

So, random thought.
Its not about the money (which it obviously is, albeit 'only' £10 million) so why not:

Staff the branches with RBS staff who know about the apps.
provide coffee and free wifi for customers
Staff can educate customers on how to use the apps
provide private cubicle/office space for transactions which require more than just the 'apps'
Deposits can be made via those funky machines that take cheques/cash




By removing some of the banking functions (and staff) there is less annual cost to offset any incurred costs.
All at the risk of being accused of putting local coffee shops out of business.


OK, so its not a real solution (if it was im sure its already been thought of and dismissed) but you'd think there would be some wacky solution.


You should get the top job at RBS.... but you won't because you have far too much common sense and intelligence.

Looks like someone at virgin money was paying attention :greengrin
Ignoring the article, just looking at the pictures.

https://www.virgin.com/about-virgin/virgin-group/news/virgin-money-gets-gbp35-million-to-boost-banking-support-to-businesses