Natwest faces union criticism over mandatory office return

Natwest is facing strong opposition from the trade union Unite over a new policy requiring all employees to attend the office for two days a week. The bank announced that this mandatory return will take effect from February next year, marking a significant shift in its hybrid working arrangements. Unite, which represents more than one million workers across various sectors, has described the lender’s decision as out of touch with the current realities faced by its workforce.

Under the previous arrangement, remote-first staff at the FTSE 100 bank were only required to be in the office for two days a month. The new policy eliminates this reduced frequency, compelling these employees to increase their in-person attendance significantly. This move is part of a broader trend among companies calling staff back to the workplace following the widespread remote working orders implemented during the pandemic. Unite general secretary Sharon Graham criticised the decision, arguing that it imposes higher travel and childcare costs on workers who are already struggling with real-terms pay cuts and caring responsibilities.

Graham stated that the bank must abandon these proposals and engage properly with its employees, accusing Natwest of showing contempt for its workforce by reneging on existing agreements. Currently, nearly 17,300 staff follow a hybrid pattern requiring three days a fortnight in the office, while a further 13,500 are in remote-first roles. The remainder of the UK staff, including those in customer-facing and branch roles, are already required to attend the office at least four days a week. A Natwest spokesman acknowledged the change would affect some colleagues but emphasised that the bank is providing time to plan ahead and support during the transition. The spokesperson added that while flexible working remains important, the bank has recognised the value of spending time together for both colleagues and customers.