On line Banking

Conference notes that some banks, not content with closing down branches and

reducing physical access to banking, are now unilaterally informing customers that their

accounts have moved “on line” and that they will no longer receive statements by post.

This policy discriminates particularly against older people who either cannot afford to

have internet access or find difficulty in working in that way. Whilst it also discriminates

against other sections of the community, it is older people who will be most affected

because of the number of people involved and also because of the innate lack of trust

that many older people have of technology. The patronising attitude of banks that

“perhaps family and friends might help” does nothing to reassure those of us who have

that lack of trust. It also makes the unreasonable assumption that family or friends are

near at hand which, in many instances, is not the case.

This is a further attempt by banks to reduce access to services and should be opposed

with some vigour.

Conference therefore resolves to instruct the National Retired Members Committee to:

1. Make public Unison’s opposition to this practice

2. Work with all of our partner pensioner organisations across the 4 nations of the UK

and with Bank Regulators to set out clear opposition to it and to seek to get it

stopped

3. Along with the NEC, seek to influence government and all opposition parties both at

Westminster and in the devolved Parliaments to support legislation, if necessary, to

stop this practice.

4. Encourage Regions and Branches to campaign locally to oppose this practice.

The National Retired Members Committee to report back on progress on this matter to

the National Retired Members Conference in 2025