NatWest to require staff to return to office twice a week from February 2027
NatWest will shift 13,000 staff from two days a month to two days a week, sparking backlash
Key facts
- NatWest will require all UK staff to be in the office at least twice a week from February 2027.
- The policy will affect about 13,000 staff who previously worked two days a month, according to the Guardian; the BBC reports 13,497.
- Unite calls the change a "kick in the teeth" and says it will increase travel and childcare costs.
- NatWest says the policy will help teams collaborate and build relationships.
- The policy abolishes the remote‑first employment category.
NatWest will require all UK staff to be in the office at least twice a week from February 2027. The change will affect about 13,000 staff who previously worked two days a month, according to the Guardian; the BBC reports 13,497.
Unite calls the change a "kick in the teeth" and says it will increase travel and childcare costs. Sharon Graham, Unite general secretary, said the policy reneges on existing agreements.
NatWest says the policy will help teams collaborate and build relationships. The bank said it will support staff through the transition.
According to the BBC, other banks such as Barclays and JP Morgan have tightened office attendance rules. Barclays faced backlash and later softened its stance.
Context
The move follows a broader trend of banks tightening remote‑work policies after the pandemic, as firms seek to improve collaboration and training.
How outlets headlined it
How this was made
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