Key facts
- Thousands of Barclays staff have signed an open letter protesting the bank's new policy requiring them to work from the office at least three days a week.
- Unite, representing about 36,000 Barclays staff, is calling for the bank to reverse its decision to increase in-office work.
- The union is pressing for exemptions for commutes longer than 40 minutes or 35 miles, during holidays, and for carers.
- Unite national officer Rick Coyle stated that Barclays is trying to fix a problem that doesn't exist.
- Barclays said minimum time in office requirements vary by business area, reflecting work nature and business needs.
Thousands of Barclays staff are pushing back against the bank's new policy that requires employees to work from the office for at least three days a week, an increase from the previous two-day requirement. The union Unite, which represents approximately 36,000 Barclays staff, is calling for the bank to reverse the decision and is seeking concessions such as a one-off payment to offset increased travel and childcare costs, as well as exemptions for long commutes and for carers. Unite national officer Rick Coyle stated that Barclays is attempting to solve a non-existent problem and that many banking employers are embracing greater flexibility. Barclays, however, maintains that office presence requirements vary by business area to reflect work nature and business needs, with senior leaders expected to be in the office four days a week.