RBS to close over 250 branches

The UK government-owned Royal Bank of Scotland, the parent of Ulster Bank, said it will close 259 branches in Britain and cut 680 jobs as it reduces costs and encourages customers to use online and mobile services.

The latest round of closures at the Edinburgh-based bank follow 180 announced in March, putting 1,000 jobs at risk, and a similar move by Lloyds Banking Group which said this week it would close 49 branches.