Santander to close 44 branches and put 291 jobs at risk
The high-street lender is the latest to announce a swathe of branch closures.
www.bbc.co.ukHere are the latest developments on Santander branch closures in the UK, based on recent reporting:
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Santander announced 44 additional branch closures in January 2026, affecting around 291 jobs. The bank emphasized continuing investment in remaining branches alongside digital services, and noted 96% of transactions are now digital. [BBC coverage of the January 29, 2026 announcement; Independent summary and other outlets corroborate the figure and the shift to digital channels.]
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This follows a larger wave from the preceding year, when Santander disclosed plans to shut 95 branches in 2025, representing about a quarter of its UK network, with hundreds of roles affected. The closures are part of a broader industry trend toward online banking, though Santander has stated it will offer local alternatives such as Santander Local hubs and community bankers to maintain local presence. [Invezz report on 95 closures; BBC summary; Independent summaries]
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Totaling these moves, Santander’s UK branch network has been reduced significantly, with various outlets transitioning to reduced hours or counter-free formats, while the bank continues to invest in digital banking and in-person alternatives like banking hubs and community spaces. [BBC, Independent, Which? coverage and related outlets]
Would you like a country-by-country or list-by-branch breakdown of the closures, or a summary of how these changes might affect access to cash and in-branch services in your local area near Marseille or elsewhere in France? If you want, I can also compile a concise timeline of announced closures and the stated rationale.