Criticizing NatWest's English-only services

Criticizing NatWest for forcing customers to use English-only services

Cymdeithas yr Iaith has criticized the NatWest bank for not providing a Welsh language service to customers, and is calling for Welsh Language Standards to be imposed on banks under the Welsh Language Measure 2011.

The criticism comes as a result of recent complaints the Cymdeithas has received regarding NatWest's decision not to provide a bilingual check book, a decision which is currently being reconsidered. Being able to write checks in Welsh and order Welsh or bilingual check books was a significant progress achieved through campaigning by language campaigners over thirty years ago.

If NatWest goes ahead with the decision not to provide a bilingual check book, customers will be expected to either use check books in English or use English online banking services, which, according to the organisation, is a step backwards for language rights.

Aled Thomas, Vice-Chairman of Cymdeithas yr Iaith’s Right to Welsh Group:

"It is disgraceful that NatWest intends not to provide bilingual check books, forcing customers to use monolingual English services instead. This goes against the principles of linguistic fairness and the basic expectations of Welsh speaking customers.

"Furthermore, the fact that NatWest or any other bank does not provide online banking services means that people are increasingly forced to use English when dealing with their bank. Not only do we not see progress, this is now a big step backwards. NatWest is the latest bank to withdraw a Welsh language service, after HSBC ended its Welsh language telephone line last year. This shows that it is absolutely necessary to impose Welsh Language Standards on banks. In the meantime, we are calling on NatWest to re-introduce bilingual check books."