Union slams NatWest’s plan to pull staff back to the office
The Unite union has condemned NatWest’s proposal to curb the ability of 30,000 employees to work from home. Starting in February, the bank intends to adopt a hybrid model that requires staff 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 workers who need extra flexibility.
Unite called the decision “out of touch with the realities facing its workforce,” noting that many employees will face higher travel and childcare costs. The shift comes as companies have been gradually bringing staff back to the office after remote work became widespread during the Covid pandemic. In January of last year, Amazon told its staff to return to the office five days a week after a period of two days at home. Boots and JP Morgan have also introduced policies that require head‑office employees to be present every day. Barclays, meanwhile, faced staff backlash last month over plans for a three‑day‑a‑week office requirement and responded by extending the transition period after union complaints.
According to Unite, NatWest is eliminating 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 workers to increase their office attendance. The union says many of those affected occupy lower‑paid grades, and the new rules will add to cost‑of‑living pressures while disrupting arrangements for disabled employees and carers.
In a statement, Unite general secretary Sharon Graham described NatWest’s move as “a kick in the teeth” for its workforce. “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 “ditch these proposals and engage properly with its workers.”
A NatWest spokesperson said, “Flexible working remains an important part of how we work, but we’ve also learned more about the value that spending time together brings for our colleagues and customers, helping teams collaborate, share ideas, build relationships and learn from one another.” The spokesperson added, “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.” “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.”