Santander has officially confirmed the closure of its Woking branch on April 28, 2026, as part of a broader initiative that will see the bank shut down 44 branches across the United Kingdom, placing approximately 291 jobs at risk. This decision is part of a strategic shift towards digital banking, reflecting a significant change in customer behavior, with 96 percent of transactions now conducted online.
The Woking branch closure follows the bank’s prior announcement last year, which involved shutting down 95 branches—around 25 percent of its network—affecting around 750 employees. In the regions of Hampshire and Surrey, Santander has already reduced its presence in several town centres, with branches in Farnham and Fleet closing last year. Future closures are also scheduled for Andover on May 12, 2026, Gosport on May 5, 2026, and Ringwood on May 6, 2026.
In a statement, a Santander spokesperson indicated that the bank is adapting to changing consumer preferences. “We will continue to invest in both our branch network—comprising full-service branches, counter-free branches, reduced-hour branches, Santander Locals, and our increasingly popular work cafés—as well as our digital banking services.” The spokesperson also assured customers that alternative support would be available through nearby banking hubs or Santander Local services, which operate in community venues on a limited basis.
This announcement has ignited broader concerns regarding the rapid pace of bank branch closures across the UK. Government officials have previously expressed worries that the diminishing number of local branches could limit access to cash and essential in-person services, particularly for elderly and vulnerable residents.
Other banks are also reducing their branch networks. For example, Lloyds Bank is planning to close over 100 branches by March 2024 as part of a previously announced strategy. In contrast, Nationwide has committed to keeping its remaining 696 branches operational until at least 2030, citing an increase in customer visits over the past year, despite having closed around 10 percent of its network prior to this commitment in 2023.
As Santander moves forward with its restructuring, the implications for local communities and employees remain significant, raising important questions about the future of banking access in the UK.
