Sinn Féin MLAs Deirdre Hargey and Caoimhe Archibald today met with the Financial Services Union (FSU) following Ulster Bank branch closures across the north.

Speaking after the meeting, Deirdre Hargey said:

“The announcement that ten Ulster Bank branches in the north are set to close is a huge blow to the workers in those branches and to the communities they serve.

“It is deeply concerning to hear there may be job losses as a result of these closures and my thoughts are with the workers impacted and their families. All efforts must be made by Ulster Bank to redeploy and re-skill workers from these branches.

“While the trend is towards increasing digital banking, for some customers this is not convenient or possible and for rural communities, important services are disappearing. For many, including local people, businesses and communities, access to cash and a local bank is crucial. 

“Previously, Sinn Féin Finance Minister Conor Murphy established a group focused on the future of banking services, working collectively with the local community and other service providers. 

“Sinn Féin will be contacting the Financial Conduct Authority and urging them to intervene to put a block on any further bank branch closures. We support the FSU in their campaign to reverse the closures of these Ulster Bank branches.”