Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "The announcement by Lloyds Banking Group of closing a further 48 bank branches is a complete betrayal of the communities and staff who have long supported this highly profitable business. "This sector needs to start taking their corporate social responsibilities seriously and stop neglecting their obligations to their customers and workforce. "Banks are leaving people behind in the rush to close bank branches and force consumers to go cashless to boost their mega-profits. It's a classic example of putting profits before people." Unite said it believes the banking industry should have a legal commitment to protect access to cash and bank branches. The announcement will cut the number of Lloyds Banking Group branches to 1,475, the union added. Lloyds has not made any compulsory redundancies as a result of a branch closures, aiming to make voluntary redundancies or offer alternate roles.