Santander has confirmed a major restructuring of its physical presence across the United Kingdom, with plans to close 44 high street branches. This significant move places approximately 291 staff positions at immediate risk of redundancy as the banking giant responds to rapidly evolving customer habits and a seismic shift towards digital platforms.
Driving Forces Behind the Branch Closures
The decision stems from what Santander describes as a "continuing and sizeable shift" in how customers manage their finances. Recent data reveals that a staggering 96% of all Santander transactions now occur online, highlighting the declining relevance of traditional brick-and-mortar locations.
Since 2019, electronic dealings have skyrocketed by an impressive 64%, while in-person branch visits have plummeted by 66% during the same period. This trend shows no signs of slowing, with branch-based financial activity dipping by another 13% in the last twelve months alone.
Impact on Staff and Branch Network
Following consultation with unions, the proposed closures would affect colleagues across the country. Santander has stated that while these positions are at risk, there will be redeployment opportunities available for impacted staff members to apply for.
Once these changes are implemented, Santander's physical portfolio will shrink to 305 outlets nationwide. This reduced network will comprise a mixture of full-service branches, counter-free sites, and limited-hour locations, reflecting the bank's adaptation to changing customer needs.
New Community Banking Solutions
To mitigate the loss of physical access points, Santander plans to introduce a weekly 'Santander Local' service based in community hubs such as libraries. These will be supported by existing Post Office Banking Hubs, ensuring residents can still access essential financial services in their local areas.
The bank has emphasised its commitment to a hybrid model that prioritises digital speed while maintaining a human touch. A spokesperson for Santander UK explained: "We will continue to invest in both our branch network and our digital banking services, so we can be there to support our customers however they choose to bank with us."
Support for Vulnerable Customers
Recognising that some customers may struggle with the transition, Santander has pledged to contact vulnerable individuals via telephone to help them navigate the upcoming changes. This proactive outreach aims to assist those needing help finding alternative branches or accessing phone and Post Office banking facilities.
The bank's statement underlined this commitment: "We are making changes to our branches to better support our customers in response to a continuing and sizeable shift towards customers using digital banking."
Industry Context and Digital Support
As the banking sector accelerates its digital transformation, other institutions are implementing measures to support customers through this transition. Nationwide has launched a new initiative across all 605 of its UK branches, offering free digital lessons to help people build confidence with technology.
These sessions provide hands-on support to anyone who needs it, including non-members, with guidance on setting up devices, managing bank accounts online, recognising scams, and making video calls.
Full List of Affected Branches
The Santander branches scheduled for closure span numerous locations across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland:
- Andover, Hampshire
- Banbridge, County Down
- Bangor, Gwynedd
- Berwick Upon Tweed, Northumberland
- Bishop Auckland, County Durham
- Boston, Lincolnshire
- Bridgend, Wales
- Bridgwater, Somerset
- Cwmbran, Torfaen
- Enniskillen, County Fermanagh
- Evesham, Worcestershire
- Glengormley, County Antrim
- Golders Green, North London
- Gosport, Hampshire
- Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire
- Heswall, Wirral
- Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire
- Kirkintilloch, East Dunbartonshire
- Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire
- Leyland, Lancashire
- Liskeard, Cornwall
- Macclesfield, Cheshire
- Mansfield, Nottinghamshire
- Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire
- Merthyr Tydfil, Mid Glamorgan
- Mold, Flintshire
- Newbury, Berkshire
- Newton Abbot, Devon
- Northallerton, Yorkshire
- Ormskirk, Lancashire
- Pontefract, Yorkshire
- Ramsgate, Kent
- Redditch, Worcestershire
- Ringwood, Hampshire
- Scunthorpe, Lincolnshire
- Shirley, West Midlands
- Stafford, Staffordshire
- Stranraer, Dumfries and Galloway
- Stratford Upon Avon, West Midlands
- Tonbridge, Kent
- Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire
- Whitehaven, Cumbria
- Wilmslow, Cheshire
- Woking, Surrey
This restructuring represents a significant moment in the ongoing transformation of British banking, as traditional institutions adapt to the digital age while attempting to maintain essential services for communities across the nation.
