Nearly 100 Santander UK Branches to Close, Putting 750 Jobs at Risk
Santander UK has made a significant announcement that’s set to impact communities across the country. The high street lender is closing nearly a quarter of its branches, meaning that 95 out of its 444 UK locations will soon shut their doors. This move puts up to 750 jobs at risk, sparking concerns among employees and customers alike.
The bank attributes these closures to the ongoing shift toward digital banking. According to Santander, financial transactions conducted in physical branches have dropped by 61% since 2019, while online and mobile banking usage continues to rise. With more people managing their finances through apps and websites, banks are adjusting their strategies to keep up with this trend.
A Santander spokesperson acknowledged the difficult decision, stating that they take time to carefully assess the impact of such closures. Despite shutting down a significant number of branches, the bank reassures customers that 93% of the UK population will still be within 10 miles of a Santander branch. Additionally, customers can access banking services at 11,000 Post Office locations and 112 banking hubs nationwide.
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For those directly affected by the closures, the news is concerning. Employees at these branches now face uncertainty, with Santander consulting unions on the next steps. The Communication Workers Union (CWU) and the Advance union have been contacted for comments on how this will impact workers.
Among the 95 branches set to close, notable locations include Brixton, Croydon, Gateshead, Glasgow, and Torquay, along with several others across the UK. While some branches have confirmed closure dates before the end of the year, others are still awaiting final announcements.
This development comes amid ongoing speculation about Santander’s future in the UK. While rumors suggested the Spanish bank might exit the market, Santander reaffirmed its commitment to remaining in the UK, despite economic challenges.
For customers, this shift means adapting to new ways of banking. While digital services offer convenience, the loss of local branches could be problematic for those who rely on in-person banking, especially elderly or vulnerable customers.
As Santander moves forward with its plans, communities affected by these closures will be watching closely to see how the bank supports both employees and customers during this transition. The banking landscape continues to evolve, and for many, this is yet another sign of the digital age taking over traditional financial services.
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