Barclays staff demand concessions over office return policy
Thousands of Barclays employees, represented by the Unite union, are demanding exemptions and a one-off payment as the bank increases its minimum office
Barclays is facing a backlash from thousands of staff over its plan to increase office attendance requirements. The Unite union, representing about 36,000 employees, is calling for the bank to reverse its decision and is pressing for exemptions and a payment to offset increased travel and childcare costs.
According to the bank, staff previously expected to be in the office for two days per week should now be present for at least three days starting next month. A memo sent to staff in July outlined these expectations, which also include a requirement for senior leaders to work at least four days per week on-site.
Union demands and employee backlash
Unite national officer Rick Coyle stated that thousands of employees have signed an open letter calling for Barclays to reverse the decision, with the number of signatories continuing to rise. He argued that Barclays is trying to fix a problem that doesn't exist by making its working-from-home rules less flexible.
The open letter from workers claims they are delivering strong financial results and improved customer services under the current, more flexible policy. The union has condensed thousands of worker suggestions into a series of specific demands.
Specific concessions requested
The demands from Unite and the staff include several key exemptions and financial support measures. An exemption is requested for people whose commutes are longer than 40 minutes or 35 miles. The union is also seeking exemptions during Christmas, summer, and school holidays.
For carers, the demand is for a maximum of one day in the office. The proposals call for flexibility for wrap-around childcare and for the bank to explore providing childcare vouchers and onsite creches. A central demand is for a one-off payment to offset the increased costs associated with more frequent office attendance.
Bank's position and varying requirements
Barclays said many employees already work in the office for three or more days and that being on-site fosters collaboration and helps people learn from each other. A spokesperson stated, "Our minimum time in office requirements vary by business area."
The bank added that it recognises the benefits of balancing flexibility for colleagues with the importance of working together in physical locations. Barclays declined to say how many staff would be affected by the rule change. However, the BBC understands requirements differ by team, with investment bankers, for example, already in the office five days a week.
Broader industry context
The coronavirus pandemic forced many businesses, including banks, to adopt widespread working-from-home policies. Since then, many organisations have been recalling workers to the office more frequently. While evidence suggests hybrid working may be the best fit for many workers and businesses, several large firms have mandated increased office presence.
Other large organisations, including Amazon, Boots, and JP Morgan, have implemented policies requiring head office staff to be in the office daily. This week, Ewan Venters, executive chair of fashion brand Paul Smith, told reporters Interview podcast that working from home just doesn't work for young people. In June, digital bank Revolut said it would shift away from its remote-first policy for new recruits starting in 2027.
