Barclays staff demand concessions over increased office attendance

Thousands of employees at Barclays are demanding financial concessions and policy reversals after the bank announced plans to increase mandatory office attendance. The move has triggered significant opposition from staff and their union, who argue that the new requirements impose undue costs without addressing existing operational needs. The dispute centres on a shift from a two-day to a three-day minimum in-office requirement for many roles, a change the bank says is necessary to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing.

Unite, which represents approximately 36,000 Barclays staff, is calling for the bank to reverse its decision entirely. The union is also pressing for specific exemptions and financial payments to offset increased travel and childcare expenses. A national officer for the union stated that thousands of employees have signed an open letter urging the bank to abandon the new rules, with the number of signatories continuing to rise. The union contends that the bank is attempting to solve a problem that does not exist by reducing flexibility in working arrangements.

The open letter highlights that workers are currently delivering strong financial results and improved customer services under the existing hybrid policy. It notes that thousands of workers have submitted suggestions, which the union has consolidated into a series of specific demands. These include exemptions for individuals with commutes exceeding 40 minutes or 35 miles, as well as during Christmas, summer, and school holidays. Further requests include a maximum of one day in the office for carers, flexibility for wrap-around childcare, and the exploration of childcare vouchers and onsite creches.

Barclays responded by stating that many employees already work in the office for three or more days per week. A spokesperson explained that being on-site fosters collaboration and helps people learn from one another. The bank acknowledged the benefits of balancing flexibility with the importance of working together in physical locations. In July, the bank sent a memo to staff outlining its expectations, which include senior leaders working at least four days per week in the office. The minimum time in office requirements vary by business area, reflecting the nature of the work and business needs.

The bank declined to specify how many staff would be affected by the rule change. However, it is understood that requirements differ by team, with some roles, such as investment banking, already requiring five days per week in the office. The context for this dispute is part of a broader trend following the coronavirus pandemic, which forced many businesses to allow remote working. Since then, many organisations have been increasingly recalling workers to the office. There is evidence that hybrid working may be the best fit for many workers and businesses, yet large organisations including Amazon, Boots, and JP Morgan have implemented policies requiring head office staff to be present every day. This week, the executive chair of fashion brand Paul Smith told the BBC that working from home does not work for young people and urged the government to stay out of decisions over where employees work. In June, digital bank Revolut said it was shifting away from its remote-first policy for new recruits in 2027, while maintaining the policy for other employees.