Thu, 29 Jan 2026

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 Santander to close 44 branches and put 291 jobs at risk

The high-street lender is the latest to announce a swathe of branch closures.

* Santander will close 44 branches, putting 291 jobs at risk.
* This is in addition to last year's plan to close 95 branches and axe 750 jobs.
* The bank says 96% of its transactions are now done digitally.
* A representative from Santander will operate from a nearby banking hub or Santander Local location in libraries and community centres, where customers can seek help one day a week.
* Other banks, including Lloyds Bank, have also announced plans to close branches, with over 200 closures planned across the UK.
* Ministers have criticized the closure of bank branches, saying it restricts access to cash for elderly and vulnerable people.
* Nationwide building society has pledged to keep all its remaining 696 branches open until at least 2030.
  >>