Thousands of Barclays staff call for back-to-office rule reversal

Around 36,000 Barclays employees are demanding the bank reverse its decision to increase the number of office days from two to at least three. Unite, the union representing these staff, is urging Barclays to change its policy and even offering a one-off payment to cover additional travel and childcare expenses. The bank previously stated that many employees already work in the office for three or more days per week.

Unite national officer Rick Coyle revealed that thousands of employees have signed an open letter requesting the reversal of this decision, and the petition continues to grow. The union argues that the bank is attempting to address an issue that isn't present by making its working-from-home policies less flexible. Unite claims that employees have been performing well under the current remote work arrangements, delivering strong financial results and enhancing customer service.

Barclays acknowledges the importance of flexibility alongside the necessity of in-person collaboration, stating that minimum office requirements vary by business area. The bank has not disclosed the number of staff affected by the potential policy change, but it is understood that different rules apply to various teams, with investment bankers, for example, required to be in the office five days a week.