Number of branches at selected large banks in the UK 2017-2024

The widespread adoption of online banking, offering unprecedented speed and convenience, has dramatically reduced the importance of physical bank branches. This shift is particularly evident among the UK's "big four" banks - Barclays, Lloyds, HSBC, and NatWest. Between 2017 and 2024, Barclays, Lloyds, and NatWest closed more than 1,000 branches nationwide, while their major competitors also implemented substantial branch closure programs. This marked decline in physical locations reflects the banking sector's increasing pivot toward digital services.

Does the closure of branches affect employment?

The impact of bank branch closures extends beyond customer inconvenience in rural and regional areas. The human cost has been particularly severe, with significant job losses across the banking sector. The number of employees in European credit institutions decreased by approximately 430,000 between 2009 and 2023, with UK banks contributing heavily to this decline. Two striking examples are Lloyds and NatWest Group, both of which reduced their workforce by nearly half between 2012 and 2023, highlighting the dramatic transformation of traditional banking employment.

Key reasons behind closures

While the decline of physical bank branches is frequently attributed to the growing popularity of digital banking - with most UK account holders now favoring mobile and online services over in-person banking - this only tells part of the story. Branch closures also represent a strategic cost-cutting measure as banks face increasing pressure on profit margins. This downsizing aligns with broader regulatory requirements for European banks to maintain stronger capital reserves, a safeguard implemented to prevent future financial crises.