Overview

• This week’s 10 closures across Wales, Scotland, London and Lancashire form part of Santander’s wider plan to shut 95 UK branches in 2025 following a 63% rise in digital transactions since 2019.
• Santander estimates that the overall branch cuts and associated hours reductions put around 750 jobs at risk.
• The bank plans to recruit 95 community bankers who will visit libraries and community halls near closed branches to support customers needing in-person help.
• From June 30, 36 sites will shift to limited opening hours and 18 will become counter-free branches staffed by at least eight employees.
• Age UK cautions that the disappearance of face-to-face services may exclude a significant number of elderly customers from essential banking.