Santander UK has unveiled plans to close 44 of its bank branches across the United Kingdom, a move that places nearly 300 jobs in jeopardy. This decision marks a significant reduction in the lender's physical presence, as it continues to adapt to evolving customer preferences for online banking services.
Digital Shift Drives Branch Closures
The bank cited the changing needs of its customers as the primary reason for the closures, with an increasing number of people opting to manage their finances through digital channels. According to Santander, a staggering 96% of all transactions are now completed online, underscoring the rapid shift away from traditional in-branch banking.
This latest round of closures follows closely on the heels of a previous announcement less than a year ago, when Santander revealed plans to shut 95 sites. Once these new closures are implemented, the bank will be left with just 244 full-service branches nationwide, highlighting a continued trend towards a more streamlined physical network.
List of Affected Locations and Closure Dates
The bank has released a detailed list of the branches set to close, along with their scheduled closure dates. Customers in the following areas should take note:
- Andover, Hampshire – 12 May
- Banbridge, County Down – 19 May
- Bangor, County Down – 29 April
- Berwick Upon Tweed, Northumberland – 28 April
- Bishop Auckland, County Durham – 5 May
- Boston, Lincolnshire – 28 April
- Bridgend, Mid Glamorgan – 12 May
- Bridgwater, Somerset – 29 April
- Cwmbran, Gwent – 13 May
- Enniskillen, County Fermanagh – 12 May
- Evesham, Worcestershire – 28 April
- Glengormley, County Antrim – 6 May
- Golders Green, London – 13 May
- Gosport, Hampshire – 5 May
- Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire – 5 May
- Heswall, Merseyside – 13 May
- Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire – 5 May
- Kirkintilloch, Lanarkshire – 29 April
- Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire – by end of January 2027
- Leyland, Lancashire – 6 May
- Liskeard, Cornwall – 20 May
- Macclesfield, Cheshire – 12 May
- Mansfield, Nottinghamshire – 6 May
- Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire – 29 April
- Merthyr Tydfil, Mid Glamorgan – 6 May
- Mold, Clwyd – 28 April
- Newbury, Berkshire – 29 April
- Newton Abbot, Devon – 19 May
- Northallerton, North Yorkshire – 6 May
- Ormskirk, Lancashire – by the end of January 2027
- Pontefract, West Yorkshire – 5 May
- Ramsgate, Kent – 28 April
- Redditch, Worcestershire – 13 May
- Ringwood, Hampshire – 6 May
- Scunthorpe, South Humberside – 29 April
- Shirley, West Midlands – 20 May
- Stafford, Staffordshire – 19 May
- Stranraer, Wigtownshire – 13 May
- Stratford Upon Avon, Warwickshire – 12 May
- Tonbridge, Kent – 29 April
- Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire – 5 May
- Whitehaven, Cumbria – by the end of January 2027
- Wilmslow, Cheshire – by the end of January 2027
- Woking, Surrey – 28 April
Addressing Concerns Over Banking Access
In light of these closures and the broader trend of branch shutdowns across the banking industry, Santander has moved to address mounting concerns regarding access to banking services. The Spain-based banking group emphasised its commitment to supporting customers through this transition, though specific measures were not detailed in the initial announcement.
The closures reflect a challenging period for the UK's banking sector, as institutions grapple with the dual pressures of digital transformation and cost-cutting measures. For affected communities, the loss of a local branch may pose significant challenges, particularly for those who rely on in-person services.
As the story develops, further updates are expected regarding support for impacted employees and customers. Santander's decision underscores the ongoing evolution of the financial landscape in Britain, where digital convenience is increasingly prioritised over physical accessibility.
