Westpac closing up to 19 branches, shocked staff toldWARWICK SMITH/FAIRFAX NZMore than 70 jobs could be lost if a Westpac proposal to close 19 branches goes ahead. Westpac spokesman Chris Mirams said proposals had been sent to branches asking staff for their consideration and feedback. Westpac would decide which branches would close by the end of September, with closures expected by the end of October, she said. First Union spokeswoman Tali Williams said Westpac's proposal to close the branches, mainly in regional towns, would result in 72 jobs being made redundant and 20 job transfers to other branches. The "out of the blue" announcement had upset a lot of staff, she said.

Source: Stuff August 12, 2016 00:10 UTC