Key facts
- NatWest plans to require 13,000 staff to work from the office two days a week.
- The policy change will take effect in February 2027.
NatWest is facing backlash from trade union Unite over its plan to require 13,000 staff to attend the office two days a week starting February 2027. Unite called the move a "kick in the teeth" for workers already struggling with rising living costs and undermining flexible arrangements.
The decision by NatWest impacts thousands of employees and highlights ongoing tensions between corporate return-to-office mandates and employee demands for flexible working, potentially affecting staff morale and operational costs.
NatWest is implementing a new policy requiring 13,000 staff to work from the office two days per week, a significant increase from the current two days per month for some employees. This change, set to begin in February 2027, has drawn strong criticism from the trade union Unite. The union argues that the mandate will impose additional financial burdens on workers already facing high living costs and will negatively impact those with caregiving responsibilities or disabilities. Unite also stated that the decision shows "complete contempt" for the workforce, especially given existing flexible working agreements. NatWest, however, maintains that the policy is intended to foster collaboration, idea sharing, and relationship building among teams and customers.
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