Santander UK to shut 44 branches – is yours affected?

Santander UK announced it will close 44 of its full‑service branches, putting almost 300 jobs at risk. The closures, scheduled from 12 April to 29 May, target sites such as Bangor, County Down; Berwick‑upon‑Tweed, Northumberland; Bristol; and London’s Golders Green. After the shutdowns Santander will operate 244 full‑service branches nationwide. While 96 % of all transactions are now digital, the bank says its “community bankers” programme will support areas losing branches. The remaining network will feature 19 counter‑free branches, 36 reduced‑hour branches, six work cafés and 111 local “Santander Locals.” Two‑thirds of UK bank branches have disappeared in the last decade, a trend accelerated after the 2008/9 financial crisis.