TSB has announced plans to close 36 branches and cut 250 roles.

The bank said that most of the job cuts would be operational rather than branch-based roles.

In a statement to FStech, a spokesperson for the bank said: “To meet changing customer needs and for TSB to remain competitive, we are making changes to simplify the way we operate. These decisions are never taken lightly.

“Our priority is to consult with impacted colleagues to ensure they’re fully supported, maximising redeployment opportunities where we can.”

Trade union Unite, which is represents workers at TSB, has called the decision “a grave mistake.”

Commenting on the news Andy Case, Unite regional officer, said that the workers at risk of losing their jobs perform essential work in the fraud department and across the branch network.

“Through extensive negotiations Unite has been able to substantially reduce the number of jobs at risk,” he added. “However, that isn’t sufficient, the union is pressing TSB to urgently reconsider its damaging bank branch closures plan.

“At a time when customers are increasingly concerned about financial fraud and often need support from a local bank branch this is the wrong course of action.”

In March, the Co-operative Bank announced plans to cut around 400 jobs ahead of a potential merger with Coventry Building Society. The bank said the job cuts were “essential” for the bank to deliver its multi-year strategic plan which has overhauled the bank and included a £100 million IT investment.

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