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Santander to Close 44 UK Branches in 2026–27, Putting 291 Jobs at Risk

Citing a decisive shift to digital banking, the bank will replace shuttered sites with Community Bankers using Santander Locals, shared banking hubs or Post Office counters for in‑person support.

Overview

  • Most closures are scheduled for late April to late May 2026, with four additional locations set to shut by the end of January 2027.
  • Santander reports that 96% of transactions now take place digitally, with in‑branch financial transactions down about 66% since 2019.
  • Around 291 roles are at risk as staff enter consultation, and the bank says vulnerable customers in affected areas will receive targeted support.
  • Following the changes, the network will include 244 full‑service branches within 305 sites overall, spanning 19 counter‑free branches, 36 reduced‑hour locations, six Work Cafés and 111 Santander Locals.
  • The step follows a round of 95 closures announced last year and adds to a broader industry retrenchment from high streets that has raised concerns over access to cash for elderly and vulnerable customers.