Four HSBC branches in Bristol will close as part of a move by the firm that will see 114 of its high street branches across the UK shut from April next year. The firm says it is a result of customer numbers dropping significantly since the pandemic.
The decision comes as the number of people using their stores has fallen by 65 per cent in five years. In and around Bristol, the Downend branch will close first in April, followed by the bank in Filton in May. In July, HSBC's Portishead site will go, and finally, Westbury-on-Trym will shut down in August. A full service branch will remain in the city centre at Cabot Circus, and a digital service branch is set to continue in Kingswood.
The banking giant has said that it plans to invest tens of millions of pounds in updating and improving its remaining branch network, which will total 327 after the new wave of closures. Hull Live reports that HSBC has stressed it hopes to speak to all staff at the affected branches and redeploy them where possible to other roles within the company, either to other locations or to a different position. However, the group estimates around 100 of its employees may leave the bank.
