Full Breakdown
Barclays Pushes for More Office Days, Union Calls for Concessions
By Drooid · · How we work
Barclays Increases Office Attendance Requirement
Barclays announced that staff who have been working two days a week in the office will be required to be present at least three days per week starting next month. The policy, outlined in a memo circulated to employees in July, also stipulates that senior leaders should work on-site for a minimum of four days each week. The bank indicated that many employees already meet or exceed the new threshold, with some business units, such as investment banking, operating on a five-day office schedule.
Union Response and Demands
Unite, representing roughly 36,000 Barclays employees, has launched a campaign urging the bank to reverse the change. Union national officer Rick Coyle said thousands of staff have signed an open letter demanding exemptions and financial support to offset increased commuting and childcare costs. The union’s proposals include:
- Exemptions for commutes longer than 40 minutes or 35 miles, and during school holidays.
- A maximum of one office day per week for employees with caring responsibilities.
- Exploration of childcare vouchers and on-site creches.
- A one-off payment to mitigate additional expenses.
Official Position from Barclays
A Barclays spokesperson acknowledged the need to balance flexibility with the benefits of in-person collaboration. The bank emphasized that minimum office-time requirements vary by business area to reflect differing work-type needs. No figures were provided on how many employees will be directly affected by the new rules.
Wider Industry Trend
Barclays’ move follows a broader post-pandemic shift, with firms such as Amazon, Boots and JP Morgan requiring head-office staff to be present daily. Fashion brand Paul Smith’s executive chair, Ewan Venters, recently argued that remote work “doesn’t work” for younger employees and urged the government to stay out of workplace-location decisions. Digital bank Revolut announced a gradual move away from its “remote-first” stance for new hires beginning in 2027, while retaining existing remote arrangements for current staff.
Potential Implications
If Barclays proceeds without concessions, the union warns of rising employee dissatisfaction and potential impacts on staff morale. Conversely, the bank argues that increased on-site collaboration could sustain its strong financial performance and customer service levels, which it attributes in part to the current hybrid model. The outcome may influence how other large employers navigate the balance between flexibility and office presence in the evolving workplace landscape.