Barclays Bank

Poorly organized with managers trying to defend the indefensible. There are about 10 ATM's constantly watched over by 2 or 3 staff, another member of staff who says "hello" when you walk in and "goodbye" when you leave (whats the point?) and a customer service counter which has just 1 member of staff serving. I go here twice a week for my business and the majority of the time there is a long queue at the counter, meanwhile there are 2 or maybe 3 members of staff standing around who's only job is to help customers using the ATM's. And that's the problem because customers who use the ATM's (as I often do) either don't need any help or there aren't enough of them to justify the 2 or 3 staff. So the balance is wrong, but those in charge are either to stubborn to admit it and change things (to help their customers) or they just don't have the authority to do anything. I have to queue to collect my pre ordered change and twice in the last few weeks I've ended up getting change from other customers in the queue who are there to pay theirs in, so we're wheeling and dealing in the queue, that's how ridiculous it is! Members of staff do come along the queue and ask if they can help, but generally they can't, which is why you're queuing in the first place. The Southend Barclays is now the only local branch, Rayleigh being the closest 7 miles away, so with that in mind they reduce the opening hours; the counter now closes at 2 pm(3 hours earlier than most shops) and is closed completely on Saturday. It seems as if they have either forgotten or just don't care that they are part of the customer service industry. Are there any positives from this branch? Yes, there is a black guy and an Irish lady who are both lovely and are great with customers and also another lady who is often at the besieged counter, when you eventually get there, who is also very good with customers. UPDATE.. February 2023 and to give credit where its due. There have been two members of staff serving at the counter now for several weeks, the service is so much quicker and better. So well done Barclays for dealing with the problem. I've upgraded to 4 stars :)
Feb 22nd, 2023

Oct 29th, 2022

What a shower, not a single member of staff behind a counter to actually sort things out. Need cash, its in my account, the computers say NO, now waiting to be seen by someone. For crying out loud put some humans back behind the counters. Think Ill vote with my feet and go to a bank with real people like Metro. This is shockingly bad service from Britains no1 bank.
Sep 29th, 2022

Staff don't want to help and tell you to go on line Where's good old customer service?
Jul 29th, 2022

I am had some euros that was sent to me. So went to Southend branch. After queuing for second time, I was told to go to cashier at back of branch to pay in. After waiting 25minutes I gave up because there were still 2 customers in front of of me. As a disabled person with spinal arthritis I could not stand any longer. If I left queue to use a chair I would have lost my place
Jan 15th, 2022