From 18 March, more than 100 branches across the UK will open from 8am, instead of the usual 9am, in a trial to determine whether it is an effective way of providing support to people aged 70 and above and those with underlying health conditions during the coronavirus outbreak.

The new opening times will be effective from Monday to Friday.

Nationwide said customers will benefit from enhanced cleaning that branches will undergo each evening.

If successful and if there is a need, the building society will consider extending the trial to more branches across its 650 network.

Mandy Beech, Nationwide’s branch network director, said: “We understand the current situation is likely to hit the elderly and vulnerable the hardest, not only because of the higher risk of catching coronavirus, but also through potentially feeling isolated from the wider world should this issue continue for a longer period.

“That is why we are trialling a specific opening time for our older and most vulnerable members.”

Last week, Nationwide announced measures to help customers financially impacted by coronavirus including payment holidays on mortgages and increased credit and overdraft limits, but on a case-by-case basis.