Banks restrict number of customers in branches to help keep staff safe during coronavirus crisis

BANKS are restricting the number of customers that can be in a branch at any one time to help keep staff safe during the coronavirus pandemic.

Only two customers are allowed in a NatWest branch at a time and once inside, people are asked to stand in marked areas on the floor to make sure they are social distancing.

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Meanwhile Halifax, Lloyds and Bank of Scotland has put up posters urging customers to stand apart from each other and staff.

Barclays has also put down social distancing markers on the floor near the counters and self service machines, and is limiting the number of customers allowed in branch if the rules aren't being observed.

On top of social distancing, Nationwide has restricted its core opening hours to between 10am and 2pm from Monday to Friday, and 9am until 12pm on Saturday.

It has also closed 50 branches due to staffing shortages and following yesterday's announcement from the Prime Minister, it is scrapping its early morning opening sessions for the elderly.

Queues were spotted outside a branch of Santander in Manchester too as customers looked to stand apart to stop the spread of COVID-19.

The bank told The Sun that it is limiting the number of customers in branches when it is needed and has put up posters asking people to stand apart from each other.

But the new social distancing rules means that waiting times are now longer for those who need an appointment with their bank, echoing the days of the 2008 financial crisis.

Back then, thousands of people formed long queues to withdraw their cash from banks such as Northern Rock, before they collapsed.

But now, customers stand two metres - or six feet - apart to comply with rules aimed at preventing the spread of the deadly virus.

Banks' online and telephone resources are also becoming overwhelmed with customers who are following government advice to stay indoors.

Customers looking for help with a drop in income or wanting to freeze their mortgage repayments all need to speak to their banks.

Rob Smith wrote on Twitter: "Hi @Barclays, I appreciate the idea of social distancing at work but I'm in a queue outside the Barnet branch with a 90 -year-old man who is getting cold."

Another user said: "Staff in @NatWest_Help in Peckham were absolute legends.

"Only in branch and all trying their best and observing social distancing while still being super helpful."

Lloyds Banking Group, which includes Lloyds, Halifax and Bank of Scotland, said that the queues outside branches was a result of social distancing and not an increase in the number of customers.

A NatWest spokesperson said: "For the protection of our customers and colleagues, in line with government guidance on social distancing we’re recommending a maximum of two customers in the banking hall of our branches, while empowering members of staff to use discretion based on local circumstances and the space available."

Mandy Beech, Nationwide’s director of branches, said: "We remain open and we will try to keep as many of our branches open while we are able to.

"However, where possible we would ask people, particularly those at higher risk, to use online or mobile banking services and to speak to us if they have any needs or concerns."

Barclays did not wish to add comment.