Thousands of Barclays employees are calling on the bank to reverse plans to increase office attendance, with the Unite union seeking exemptions and financial support for workers affected by the change.
First published by The Financial Times, the company has told employees who currently work from the office two days a week that they will be expected to attend for at least three days a week from next month. Senior leaders will be expected to work from the office for at least four days a week.
Union pushes back
Unite, which represents around 36,000 Barclays staff, is calling for the bank to reverse the policy and introduce exemptions for employees facing longer commutes, caring responsibilities and childcare challenges.
Unite national officer Rick Coyle said thousands of employees have signed an open letter opposing the changes, with the number of signatories "continues to rise". He said Barclays is "trying to fix a problem that doesn't exist" by making its working-from-home rules less flexible.
The union's demands include exemptions for employees whose commutes exceed 40 minutes or 35 miles, as well as greater flexibility during Christmas, summer and school holidays.
It is also calling for a maximum of one day a week in the office for carers, flexibility around wrap-around childcare, and the exploration of childcare vouchers and onsite creches. Unite has additionally called for a one-off payment to offset increased travel and childcare costs.
Barclays defends office attendance
Barclays said many employees already work from the office for three or more days a week, adding that being on-site supports collaboration and enables employees to learn from one another.
The bank said it recognised "the benefits of balancing flexibility for colleagues with the importance of working together in our physical locations".
A Barclays spokesperson said, "Our minimum time in office requirements vary by business area, reflecting the nature of the work and the needs of the business."
The bank declined to disclose how many employees would be affected by the change. Requirements also vary between teams, with investment bankers, for example, expected to work from the office five days a week.
Hybrid work debate
The dispute comes as employers continue to reassess workplace policies introduced or expanded during the coronavirus pandemic.
While some organisations have moved towards greater office attendance, research has also indicated that hybrid working can be effective for some workers and businesses.
Large employers including Amazon, Boots and JPMorgan have introduced policies requiring head-office employees to attend every day.
The debate has also extended to other sectors. Paul Smith executive chair Ewan Venters recently told the BBC's Big Boss Interview podcast that working from home "just doesn't work" for young people and urged the government to stay out of decisions over where employees work.
Digital bank Revolut, meanwhile, said in June that it would move away from its "remote-first" approach for new recruits from 2027, while its existing employees would not be affected by the change.