{
  "id": 15755113,
  "title": "Union attacks NatWest plans to reduce working from home",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/20/union-attacks-natwest-plans-to-reduce-working-from-home",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-10-20T14:50:19.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "BBC Business",
    "slug": "bbc-business",
    "url": "https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cmly0qwnlgdvo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Unite union has criticized NatWest's plan to limit its 30,000 employees' right to work from home. From February, the bank will require staff to attend the office for at least two days a week as it moves to a hybrid model. NatWest maintains that this approach is standard in the finance industry and offers exceptions for those needing greater flexibility. However, Unite contends that NatWest's decision is insensitive to its workforce, who may face increased travel and childcare expenses and difficulties with caring responsibilities. The union also claims that many of the affected employees are from lower-paid grades and will be required to spend more time in the office, exacerbating cost-of-living pressures. Unite's general secretary, Sharon Graham, described NatWest's move as a \"kick in the teeth\" and urged the bank to abandon its plans and engage in meaningful dialogue with its workers. NatWest maintains that flexible working is still important, but a consistent in-office presence is vital for team collaboration, sharing ideas, building relationships, and knowledge sharing. The bank will provide support during the transition period.",
  "summary": "The bank says workers will be required to attend the office at least two days a week from February.",
  "key_points": [
    "Unite union criticizes NatWest's plan to limit work-from-home days.",
    "From February, staff must work in office at least 2 days weekly.",
    "Union calls NatWest's move insensitive and urges alternative dialogue."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "City AM",
        "title": "Natwest facing backlash from union after ordering staff into office twice a week",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/20/natwest-facing-backlash-from-union-after-ordering-staff-into-office",
        "published": "2026-10-20T17:44:42.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}