Bank of Ireland has confirmed that it is to reduce its branch network in Britain from the current 21 to 11.
The majority of branch closures will occur in London where it will now focus its activities at its branches on Queen Street and Berkeley Square. Two branches in Southampton and Leicester will also be closed.
A total of 141 staff will be affected, and Bank of Ireland said they will be offered voluntary redundancy or redeployment.
The decision was made following a review of British operations where the bank largely focuses on business banking. The branches will be closed between February and July 2007.
The spokesperson said the branches in question were "sub-scale" with a minimal footfall and have been cash-less for between one and three years.
Bank of Ireland's business banking unit in Britain grew turnover by 40 per cent to the end of March last.
The Irish Bank Officials Association has strongly criticised the decision. General Secretary Larry Broderick said the bank seemed intent on cost-cutting and maximising short-term profits at the expense of staff and customer service.