Santander contacts customers directly with UK branch closure update

Santander contacts customers directly with UK branch closure update It has explained the latest situation to its customers Santander has contacted customers directly to update them on its plans in relation to branches across the UK. In an email received by some customers on Tuesday, it said: "We’re investing in our branches to give you more than just banking. From Work Cafés to face-to-face support, we want to keep providing greater convenience and choice in how you bank. That's why we won't make any further branch closures before 2028. And for those times you don’t need to visit in person, our online help and support services are here to save you time." It pointed customers to further advice on its website, which explained that the pledge applied to Santander and TSB branches, with the latter being owned by the Spanish banking giant. It added: "There may be situations we can't control that mean we have to close or relocate a branch. We'll only do so if there's no other option." Explaining further, the bank said: "Banking is changing, and so are we. In July 2026, we opened our newly refurbished Canary Wharf branch, featuring the UK's first Santander Work Cafe with a coffee machine. With 6 more planned this year, we're delivering even better customer service and community-friendly banking. "By the end of 2026, around 80% of our branches will be refurbished with digital self-service spaces and advanced ATM technology, helping us better support customers today and in the future. "More than a place to bank, our Work Cafes are vibrant community spaces where banking, co-working and the local community come together. Following the opening of our largest UK Work Cafe in Oxford, we're continuing to invest across the UK, creating more free workspaces, expert support and events." In July, Santander's new boss Mahesh Aditya said he saw branches as an “important part of our strategy” as he unveiled the commitment, which will see it maintain 305 Santander and 175 TSB branches across the UK for nearly another 18 months at least. But the promise comes after Spanish-owned Santander UK announced another wave of branch closures at the start of the year, with 44 sites earmarked to be axed, putting 291 jobs at risk. The lending giant also continues to cut costs across the business as it ramps up the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation and is targeting at least £400 million of savings by the end of 2028 following the £2.65 billion TSB acquisition, which was completed in May. Mr Aditya, who took over from former chief executive Mike Regnier on March 1, said at the time: “As we integrate TSB with Santander UK, our ambition for customers is to combine leading digital services with the personal support they value, helping us to create the best bank for customers in the UK. "I see branches as an important part of our strategy and do not intend to close any additional Santander or TSB branches before 2028 at the earliest, alongside our continued commitment to invest in modernising our network and to introduce new Work Cafes.” [Image text:] SIONAI Banking thot works foryou Santander