Union slams NatWest’s plan to curb remote work

The Unite union has sharply criticised NatWest’s proposal to limit the ability of 30,000 staff to work from home. Starting in February, the bank will move to a hybrid model that requires employees to be in the office at least two days a week. NatWest says the new policy remains competitive within the finance sector and that exceptions will be granted to those who need additional flexibility.

Unite called the decision “out of touch with the realities facing its workforce,” noting that many workers will face higher travel and childcare expenses. The shift follows a broader trend of firms gradually bringing employees back to the office after the pandemic normalised remote work for many office roles. In January of last year, Amazon told staff to return five days a week after a period of two days at home. Boots and JP Morgan have also introduced policies that require head‑office staff to be on site every day. Barclays, after facing staff backlash over a plan to mandate three office days a week, extended its transition period in response to union complaints.

According to Unite, NatWest is scrapping its “remote‑first” employment category, which currently allows 13,497 workers to attend the office roughly twice a month, and is asking 17,272 hybrid employees to increase their office presence. The union says the changes will hit lower‑paid grades hardest, adding pressure to already strained cost‑of‑living budgets and disrupting arrangements for disabled employees and carers.

In a statement, Unite general secretary Sharon Graham described the move as “a kick in the teeth” for workers. “Thousands of workers face higher travel and childcare costs and disruption to caring responsibilities,” she said. “For NatWest to impose these changes while reneging on existing agreements shows complete contempt for its workforce.” Graham urged the bank to abandon the proposals and engage properly with its staff.

A NatWest spokesperson responded that flexible working remains a core part of the bank’s approach, but added that the company has recognised the value of face‑to‑face collaboration for colleagues and customers. “That’s why we’re introducing a more consistent approach across the bank, with colleagues expected to spend at least two days a week in the office, depending on the needs of their role and business area,” the spokesperson said. “We recognise this will be a change for some colleagues and we’re giving them time to plan ahead and will support them through the transition.”