HSBC will close its Hove branch next spring because not enough people are using it since the pandemic.
The branch in Church Road is one of 114 across the county which are earmarked for closure. Its final day will be May 23.
HSBC stressed that it hopes to redeploy all its employees at affected locations to other roles within HSBC, either to other branches or to a different position.
It plans to speak to all staff in those due to close but it estimates that around 100 employees could lose their jobs.
The group will be investing tens of millions of pounds in updating and improving its existing UK branch network, which will total 327 after the new wave of closures.
It is also developing new “banking hubs” and community pop-ups in its shake-up of the network and plugging more investment into digital banking services.
Furthermore, since 2021 it has provided 1,500 free Samsung tablet devices to customers selected by local branches who cannot afford or have no access to equipment to help with digital banking, HSBC said.
Jackie Uhi, HSBC UK’s managing director of UK distribution, said: “People are changing the way they bank and footfall in many branches is at an all-time low, with no signs of it returning. Banking remotely is becoming the norm for the vast majority of us.
“Branches will continue to play an important role in day-to-day banking, while providing specialist face-to-face support in moments that matter.
“In addition to our branch network, customers can access services through the Post Office network, our community pop-ups and soon-to-come banking hubs, alongside Live Chat, social media and through telephone banking.
“The decision to close a branch is never easy or taken lightly, especially if we are the last branch in an area, so we’ve invested heavily in our ‘post closure’ strategy, including providing free tablet devices to selected branch customers who do not already have a device to bank digitally, alongside one-to-one coaching to help them migrate to digital banking.”
Earlier this year, HSBC said it was closing 69 more branches which was expected to hit around 400 workers.
While the pandemic may have affected usage, its more likely the lack of counter service which has had the most detrimental effect. That’s the reason I don’t use it, but use the Brighton North Street branch instead.
Banks will go soon. Who needs them. Use an app
Highstreet is a goner. Complete digital transformation en route. Money. Shops etc. Old people might like them but they won’t focus on ageing generation will be the young folk
Will, your comment is so ageist that you’re clearly a green councillor…
Just learn to use the app. She doesn’t stop you from learning new things.
Age*