NatWest faces union backlash after asking staff to spend at least two days a week in office
The bank said the change will affect about 30,000 workers and start in February, while Unite says it raises costs and breaks a 2025 pay deal.
- NatWest announced on Tuesday a new hybrid policy requiring employees to attend the office at least two days a week, aiming to foster collaboration and help staff share ideas.
- The changes affect more than 30,000 UK staff as NatWest abolishes its 'remote first' category for 13,497 workers and requires 17,272 hybrid workers to increase office attendance.
- Unite General Secretary Sharon Graham called the move a 'kick in the teeth,' while Unite National Officer Caren Evans said, 'For many workers, homeworking is not a perk,' citing higher travel and childcare costs.
- A NatWest Group spokesperson stated, 'Flexible working remains an important part of how we work,' promising support through the transition with exceptions for colleagues requiring additional flexibility.
- Other firms such as Amazon and Barclays have adjusted post-pandemic policies; Amazon previously mandated five days a week, while Barclays faced staff resistance last month and adjusted its approach.
11 Articles
11 Articles
Natwest facing backlash from union after ordering staff into office twice a week
Natwest is facing backlash from trade union Unite over a new plan to require workers to attend the office for a mandatory two days a week. On Tuesday, Unite the Union, a trade union which represents over 1 million workers across private, public, and voluntary sectors, including some Natwest employees, said the lender’s decision was [...]
The Telegraph
The Daily ScepticNatWest forces thousands of remote workers back to the office
NatWest faces union backlash after asking staff to spend at least two days a week in office
Oct 20 (Reuters) - British bank NatWest's move to ask staff to work from office at least two days a week drew sharp criticism on Tuesday from union Unite, which raised concerns about costs to employees and disruptions to family arrangements. The deci...
NatWest increases office attendance requirements for 30,000 employees
NatWest has ordered around 30,000 employees to spend more time in the office, reversing parts of its post pandemic flexible work model. Introduced in 2021, the bank’s three tier plan allowed some staff to work fully on site, others to adopt hybrid schedules, and a group to operate on a remote first basis. That last [...]
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