Santander has announced plans to close 95 branches across the UK from June 2025 as part of a restructuring effort, placing approximately 750 employees at risk of redundancy.
The decision comes amid a significant shift towards digital banking, with declining in-branch transactions and a rising preference for online and mobile services.
Following the closures, Santander’s UK network will consist of 349 locations, including 290 full-service branches, 36 reduced-hours branches, 18 counter-free sites, and five Work Cafés.
To mitigate the impact, the bank will introduce Community Bankers to provide face-to-face financial support in affected areas. These representatives will visit local communities weekly and participate in Banking Hubs, an industry-led initiative aimed at maintaining physical banking access.
The closures follow a period of sustained investment in Santander’s branch network, with 99 locations refurbished over the past two years and another 50 scheduled for upgrades. The bank has also expanded its Work Café concept, offering co-working spaces, free WiFi, and event facilities accessible to customers and non-customers alike.
Digital banking adoption has accelerated in recent years, with Santander reporting a 63% increase in digital transactions since 2019, alongside an 89% rise in mobile banking app usage. During the same period, financial transactions at branches declined by 61%.
In response, the bank said that it continues to enhance its digital services, which includes the launch of its new mobile banking app in 2024.
Santander UK spokesperson 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 Cafés, counter-free branches and reduced hours branches, aims to provide the right balance between digital banking and face-to-face money management and guidance.
“As a business, we must move with customers and balance our investment across all the places where we interact with customers, to deliver the very best for them now and in the future.”
Santander said that it will provide support for affected customers, offering assistance in transitioning to alternative branches, digital banking, telephone services, and Post Office banking options.
For employees affected by the branch closures, the bank has initiated a consultation process. Support measures include redeployment opportunities within Santander, specialist outplacement assistance, and access to wellbeing services.
Santander said that it remains a participant in Cash Access UK and continues to contribute to the expansion of Banking Hubs to support customers requiring in-person banking services.
