Bank of Ireland is to close 36 branches at its British subsidiary Bristol & West.

The bank declined to comment on the job losses likely to result from the move. It said the decision was taken after reviewing its British operations over recent months.

Almost 4,000 staff are employed at Bristol & West. A consultation process would begin with staff shortly, said the spokeswoman. This process will take about three months.

If 36 branches end up closing, the Bristol & West's network will be trimmed from 131 to 95. The branches to close had not yet been identified, said the spokeswoman. "It will be based on current potential and performance," she said.

A spokesman for the Irish Bank Officials Association (IBOA) said the union would not accept redundancies in other parts of Bank of Ireland's British operations. However, he pointed out that the IBOA did not represent staff at Bristol & West.

Earlier this week, Bank of Ireland announced a new venture with the UK Post Office. The venture will involve an investment of €176 million by the bank which will sell its products through the post office network.