Santander is closing another 44 of its UK bank branches, putting nearly 300 jobs at risk as it gears up for its £2.6bn takeover of rival TSB. The decision to slash more than 12% of its UK branches comes as the bank prepares for its takeover of TSB. The takeover would make it the third largest UK bank in terms of personal current account deposits, behind Lloyds and NatWest. A Santander UK spokesperson said the bank was still waiting for regulators to approve its takeover of TSB. The CWU union, which represents Santander UK bank staff, was contacted for comment.