Santander to close 95 branches putting 750 jobs at risk

The banking giant said it was closing the branches in June, and also cutting hours across 36 sites as well as switching 18 to become counter-free.

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Around 750 jobs are at risk of redundancy at Santander UK as the high street lender announced another 95 branch closures and sweeping changes across its network.

The banking giant said it was shutting the branches in June, while also cutting hours across 36 sites and switching 18 to be counter-free.

Ten of the branches are in Scotland.

Santander said it will be left with 349 branches, down from 444 currently, after the overhaul, which will include five so-called work cafes.

The move will put about 750 jobs at risk if the plans get the go ahead after consultations with unions, the bank said.

A Santander UK spokesman 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 cafes, counter-free branches and reduced hours branches, aims to provide the right balance between digital banking and face-to-face money management and guidance.”

He added: “Closing a branch is always a very difficult decision and we spend a great deal of time assessing where and when we do this and how to minimise the impact it may have on our customers.”