Lloyds Bank job cuts

System

I'm sure some older people have an actual disability; this should be accounted for.

Lots of older people are just stubborn and do not like change. I don't have any issue of these being charged more or getting lower interest to meet the increased costs of their choices.

Steve_xx wrote: »

It's harsh to state that the elderly "won't" accept the electronic way forward. Some people who are elderly simply cannot learn about new technologies, due perhaps to cognitive decline. Conversely, some younger people are unable to manage technology because they have been born impaired in some way.

Is it really fair and equitable to target these groups with punitive charges?

Arthurian

On entering my local Barclays you are met with 3 computer screens and only one cashier, who is at the business desk, for business customers only. There is one 'floating' customer assistant to help personal customers use the computer screens, much like the assistant supermarkets have near the self checkouts, although this assistant has too much to do to be readily available. Ominously, HSBC and Lloyds just down the High Street are closing for a couple of days for a refit. So very soon most major banks might be the same.

I do most of my banking online at home. To reach my bank I have to drive to town, pay to park, walk through town possibly getting cold and wet, then queue up. Of course if it is possible I will bank online at home. I only go to a branch when I need to do something such as get a receipt for a deposit, or to exchange a pile of small notes for large ones. It is the personal service experience I get on such a visit which really makes an impression.

I wonder if the bright spark who thought up this cost cutting scheme thinks that because most banking is done online, that therefore these pesky customers in branch are only there because they haven't bothered to get online?

Steve_xx

Heng_Leng wrote: »

I'm sure some older people have an actual disability; this should be accounted for.

Lots of older people are just stubborn and do not like change. I don't have any issue of these being charged more or getting lower interest to meet the increased costs of their choices.

So, stubborness is a trait only of the elderly is it?

MABLE

I embrace change at my age and we all have to move with the times. I certainly remember the days when you had to literally creep to the bank manager to get an overdraft or loan and if you were not liked you were rejected.

About 30 years ago I wanted a temporary overdraft for £150 and it was agreed. However when I wanted a more permanent arrangement the Sub manager said if it was up to me no problem but the manager does not like you. This was with Lloyds Bank.

I moved my account to another branch of Lloyds and 30 years on still with them. I loved them so much I ended working for them in the late 90's.

callum9999

badger09 wrote: »

I agree

However, I think the point being made was that some, especially older people, are being disadvantaged by the increasing reliance/insistence on online technology in order to cut costs

Though there is an assumption by many being that merely being old gives you a valid excuse to force people/companies to change their methods to suit you, I don't think that's at all necessary.

Most old people who still have their full mental ability are more than capable of learning internet banking or how to check-in online - they just don't want to. While I can fully sympathise with that attitude, I don't think it justifies keeping extra counter service etc. just for them. Businesses should be compelled to provide the training/helplines to help them adjust to the new technologies though. I know some banks provide free special courses for this (my grandad went on one at the local university campus - and my previously technophobic grandmother is now pestering my mum to set up Skype so they can have video calls!) and I believe Lloyds said that they would still have people in the branch who could teach people how to use them.

This of course doesn't apply to the, for want of a better word, "frail" elderly who genuinely don't have the ability/energy to do so. Though I'm sure their needs can be fully met by the skeleton staff left within the branches.

System

Not at all but in my experience there is definitely relationship between openness to change and age.

I've seen an increasing amount of older people hide behind the 'poor & frail granny' image when it suits them but are fit, healthy and very comfortably off.

Steve_xx wrote: »

So, stubborness is a trait only of the elderly is it?

PeacefulWaters

there is definitely relationship between openness to change and age.

Using myself as a sample of one, absolutely!

I think you'll find more scientific studies to back this up too.

colsten

Sometimes it's good not to change even if you are in your sixties or older. For instance, I have probably been in a bank branch no more than 5 times in the last 30-odd years, and I am not planning on changing this much in the next 30 years. I could change my mind if they turn them into good coffee shops, bistros or wine bars.