Why does a bank need a 08 number?
Because calls are all routed through a call centre (possibly 24/7) where staff have exactly the same information as is available at the branch, including the manager's appointment diary.
(They do not however know whether it is raining, or what colour eyeshadow the pretty girl on the enquiry desk is wearing today).
Why can I not speak to someone at the branch?The call centre may be able to put you through, if it is necessary.
Why does the call centre need a non-geographic number?
Because it could be anywhere in the world.
Why is it not a 03 number?
THAT IS THE QUESTION - The previous answers were only guesses.
May I respectfully suggest corrections to a previous posting?
Heinz wrote on Jan 24
th, 2008 at 2:09pm:
A call to any 01 or 02 or 03 number in the UK costs the same from wherever you're dialling (it costs the same to call a Belfast number from Belfast as it does to call a Glasgow or Dover or (perhaps) Bangalore number from Belfast).