As you are aware, Santander formally acquired TSB earlier this month. We want to ensure you feel confident, informed, and equipped to support members through this period. We wanted to provide you with some information that will help you with any questions or concerns that our members may have.

Key message for members

First and foremost, this acquisition is a strong signal of Santander Group’s long‑term commitment to the UK. Many colleagues will remember speculation as recently as last year about a possible exit from the UK market — this investment demonstrates the opposite: continued growth and confidence in the business.

However, we recognise that announcements of this nature can create uncertainty and concern. Your role as a Union Representative is critical in helping members feel reassured, informed, and supported.

1. What reps should be communicating clearly

Please reinforce the following key points in your conversations with members:

• No immediate change
  There will be very little impact on colleagues in 2026. Santander UK and TSB will continue to operate as separate organisations in the short term, and day‑to‑day roles, structures, and working arrangements remain unchanged.
• Time and process
  Integration, when it happens, will take time. There will be formal processes, consultation where required, and ongoing Union involvement. Many of you will recall this approach following the acquisition of A&L, B&B and Abbey, which was rebranded to Santander UK.
• Union involvement from the outset
  Advance Union is already actively engaging with the Bank and will remain closely involved at every stage.

2. Your role as a representative

At this stage, your support should focus on:

• Providing reassurance
  Many concerns will be based on uncertainty rather than confirmed change. Reassure members that:
  • Nothing is changing immediately
  • The Union is actively engaged
  • Members will be kept informed
• Listening and feeding back concerns
  Captures the key themes, questions, and worries that members are raising and feeds these back so we can address them collectively.
• Avoiding speculation
  It’s important that we remain credible and fact-based. Where information is not yet known, be honest about this rather than speculating.
• Signposting Union support
  Remind members that they are not alone — Advance Union is here to represent and protect their interests throughout.

3. Keeping members engaged

Please also encourage members to engage with the Union, particularly through:

• Advance Union Conference Lite – 24 June
  This is a key opportunity for members to:
  • Raise issues
  • Submit motions
  • Influence Union priorities

Engagement ensures that we are representing what matters most to them.

Our collective commitment

As a Union, we will:

• Stay closely engaged with the business
• Work collaboratively with other unions
• Challenge constructively where required
• Keep representatives and members updated
• Ensure members’ voices are heard throughout