For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy noticeSantander will shut 44 of its bank branches as part of an overhaul of its store network, putting 291 jobs at risk. Banking firm Santander is to shut 44 of its branches, with 291 workers impacted ( PA )The high street lender said the latest cuts will leave it with 244 full branches. It will also operate 19 counter-free branches, 36 reduced-hour branches, six work cafes and 111 Santander Locals. A spokeswoman for Santander said: “In response to a continuing and sizeable shift towards customers using digital banking, we are making changes to our branches to better support our customers.