Law Society chief executive Desmond Hudson said:
'We are very concerned about Santander's actions in reducing further the membership of its panel of solicitors. We retain grave reservations about the methods they are using and are concerned about the effects both on firms and consumers.
'We have contacted Santander, expressing these concerns and are entering into urgent discussions with Santander which we hope will deliver a mutually acceptable solution. We will keep our members informed of further developments.
'In the meantime, in fairness to Santander their appeal process is still in place. Our Practice Advice Service has helped some firms successfully appeal the bank's decision to remove them from the panel. We understand other firms have also appealed and been reinstated. I would urge any members who have been removed from the panel to appeal while the Law Society seeks a more sustainable solution with Santander.'
Solicitors who have been removed from Santander's panel in recent weeks should contact the Law Society's Practice Advice Service on 0870 606 2522 or contact the Practice Advice Service via email.
Ends.