Santander has confirmed plans to close 95 of its branches as it makes significant changes across its UK network, putting around 750 jobs at risk.
The bank announced that the branches will start closing in just three months' time this June, while hours will be cut at a further 36 sites and 18 branches will be made counter-free. This will leave the banking giant with 349 branches in the UK, down from its current 444, the PA news agency reports.
If the move goes ahead following consultations with unions, it could lead to several hundred job losses. 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."
The Santander website states that the closures will take place in phases starting from June 16. The North East branches earmarked for closure are as follows:
- Blyth
- Gateshead Metrocentre
- Whitley Bay
In addition, the Hartlepool branch in County Durham is set to go counter-free, and the Washington branch in Sunderland will be affected by reduced hours.
"If you prefer to bank with us in person, there will still be ways to do this after these branches close," the Santander website assures. "We're also introducing Community Bankers. They will visit spaces in your local area each week, such as libraries and community halls, to help you with your banking."
The news is the latest blow to high street banking, following similar announcements earlier in the year by Lloyds, Halifax and Bank of Scotland with the group confirming a total of 21 branch closures across the UK in March alone. In January, the Lloyds Banking Group announced plans to close 136 sites between now and March 2026, including several North East branches.
NatWest also confirmed in January that it would be closing 53 more branches on the high street as an increasing number of customers shift towards online banking services. The NatWest Group, which includes NatWest, Royal Bank of Scotland and Ulster Bank, has seen 1,431 branch closures since 2015.
Join our WhatsApp communities
ChronicleLive is now on WhatsApp and we want you to join our communities.
We have a number of communities to join, so you can choose which one you want to be part of and we'll send you the latest news direct to your phone. You could even join them all!
To join you need to have WhatsApp on your device. All you need to do is choose which community you want to join, click on the link and press 'join community'.
No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the ChronicleLive team.
We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners.
If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
If you’re curious, you can read our privacy notice.
Join the ChronicleLive Breaking News and Top Stories community
Join our Court & Crime community
Join the Things to do in Newcastle and the North East community
Join our Northumberland community
