Are 'bank holidays' becoming a thing of the past? Part 2

By Jonathan Davies

Last month, I asked if bank holidays are becoming a thing of the past after more than 100 bank branches would be opened on the Spring bank holiday.

Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) and Natwest opened 34 at the start of the month, and Barclays opened said they would open 40-50.

It appears those trials were 'successful' and the three banks will open 115 branches alone. RBS and Natwest will open 65, nearly double last month's figure, and Barclays will open 50.

Jane Howard, managing director of branch and private banking at NatWest and RBS, said: “After the trial of our last bank holiday opening, the feedback from our customers and staff was overwhelmingly positive. As a result, we're extending our opening to the forthcoming May bank holiday.

“Banking has changed dramatically over the last few years and we’re continually looking at ways to adapt and improve the service we provide. Our customers have busy lives and can’t always make it to a branch during the week.

"We want to make their lives easier by opening more of our branches on a day when they are traditionally off work. Whatever our customers’ banking needs — a mortgage, small business support or just a general check on their finances, we’re here to help.”