The Daily Star has reached out to Santander for closing date confirmations as confusion reigns over the fate of another 28 branches earmarked for closure this year
Banking giants Santander will close another 28 branches – but confusion reigns over when it will happen. Earlier this month it was confirmed that the first wave of 95 branch closures will commence in June – although many were closed on March 19.
In addition, it plans to reduce operating hours at 36 locations and transform 18 branches into counter-free sites. This extensive revamp will affect over a third of its robust 444-branch network. Post-overhaul, the Spanish-owned Santander will be left with a total of 349 branches, comprising 290 full-service outlets and five “work cafes”.
The bank has warned that the changes could potentially jeopardise around 750 jobs – representing more than 4% of its 18,000-strong UK workforce – subject to approval following discussions with unions.
The majority of the job losses are linked to the branch closures, while approximately 12% are due to the proposed reduction in working hours.
A 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 Cafés, counter-free branches and reduced hours branches, aims to provide the right balance between digital banking and face-to-face money management and guidance.
“As a business, we must move with customers and balance our investment across all the places where we interact with customers, to deliver the very best for them now and in the future.
“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.
“However, we believe that the introduction of our new Community Bankers and the exciting plans we have for our remaining network of 349 branches and Work Cafés, alongside the rapid and innovative improvements to our award-winning mobile banking app, will provide the right balance of digital banking and human interaction when required.”
The Daily Star has reached out to Santander for closing date confirmations of the below list of branches earmarked for closure.
Full list:
- 40 Market Street., Holyhead. Closure date: TBC
- 7 The Grove, Ilkley. Closure date: TBC
- 54 Main Street, Larne. Closure date: TBC
- 54 St.Annes Road West, Lytham St.Annes, Closure date: TBC
- 53 High Street, Maldon, Maldon. Closure date: TBC 91 Queen Street, Morley, Closure date: TBC
- 120 Station Road, New Milton, Closure date: TBC
- 6 Market Place, North Walsham,Closure date: TBC
- 35 King Street, Saffron Waldon, Closure date: TBC
- 17 High Street, Turriff, Closure date: TBC
- 15 High Street, Uckfield, Closure date: TBC
- 6-8 Flixton Road, Urmston, Closure date: TBC
- 8 High Street, Wimborne, Closure date: TBC
- 2 Main Street, Wishaw, Closure date: TBC
- 17 High Street, Turriff, Turriff. Closure date: TBC
- 15 High Street, Uckfield, Closure date: TBC
- 6-8 Flixton Road, Urmston, Closure date: TBC
- 8 High Street, Wimborne, Closure date: TBC
- 2 Main Street, Wishaw, Closure date: TBC
- 24 Cannon Street, Dover, Closure date: TBC
- 15 Victoria Square, Droitwich, Closure date: TBC
- 11 High Street North, Dunstable. Closure date: TBC
- 56-58 London Road, East Grinstead, Closure date: TBC
- 50 Ballards Avenue, Finchley, Closure date: TBC
- 45 Devonshire Road, Bexhill-on-Sea, Closure date: TBC
- 97 High Street, Billericay, Closure date: TBC
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