Major UK bank announces closure of almost 100 branches

Hundreds of jobs are at risk

A popular high street bank has announced it will close nearly 100 branches with 750 job losses possible, as part of widespread changes across its network.

Santander said it will be left with 349 branches, down from 444 currently, after the overhaul, which will include five so-called work cafes.

The move will put about 750 jobs at risk if the plans get the go ahead after consultations with unions, the bank said.

A Santander UK spokesman said: "As customer behaviour changes, we are ensuring that our branches remain fit for the future.

"Our new combination of full-service branches, alongside work cafes, counter-free branches and reduced hours branches, aims to provide the right balance between digital banking and face-to-face money management and guidance.

"Closing a branch is always a very difficult decision and we spend a great deal of time assessing where and when we do this and how to minimise the impact it may have on our customers.

"However, we believe that the introduction of our new Community Bankers and the exciting plans we have for our remaining network of 349 branches and Work Cafes, alongside the rapid and innovative improvements to our award-winning mobile banking app, will provide the right balance of digital banking and human interaction when required."

The news comes after Lloyds Banking Group said in January that it would also close 61 Lloyds, 61 Halifax and 14 Bank of Scotland branches between May this year and March 2026.

Lloyds blamed the decision to shut the branches on customers shifting away from banking in person to using mobile services.

It said that all workers at the affected branches will be offered jobs elsewhere in the company.