Santander has announced plans to close 140 branches in response to more and more customers using online services.

The number of transactions carried out via Santander branches has fallen by 23 per cent over the past three years, while transactions via digital channels have grown by 99 per cent over the same period.

The bank has consulted trade unions on the proposed changes and will seek to find alternative roles for the 1,270 colleagues affected wherever possible. It expects to be able to redeploy around a third of those affected, according to a statement.

The future branch network will be made up of a combination of larger branches offering improved community facilities, and smaller branches using the latest technology to offer customers more convenient access to banking services.

In order to deliver this, 100 Santander branches will be refurbished over the next two years through an investment of £55 million.

Santander will retain a nationwide network of 614 branches following the proposed changes. It noted that all Santander current and business account holders can also use one of over 11,000 Post Office branches across the UK.

Susan Allen, head of retail and business banking, said: "The way our customers are choosing to bank with us has changed dramatically in recent years, with more and more customers using online and mobile channels.

“As a result, we have had to take some very difficult decisions over our less visited branches, and those where we have other branches in close proximity.”

Separately, yesterday Barclays announced plans to cut 280 jobs at its Leeds site when the building lease expires in 2021.

The staff informed that they face compulsory redundancy are from the customer relations, virtual channels and the technology and business change operations.

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