Barclays Softens Office Mandate After Unite Union Backlash
Barclays is allowing some UK employees to delay a new three-day office mandate until 2027 following pressure from the Unite union.
Barclays modified its return-to-office mandate for 45,000 employees in the United Kingdom after a backlash led by the Unite union. The original policy, scheduled for October 5, required staff to work from the office at least three days a week, with senior employees required for four.
Following an open letter signed by thousands of employees, the bank now allows some staff to delay compliance until 2027, provided they obtain manager approval by the end of this week. The bank is also reviewing its flexible working policy and offering transitional measures for employees with restrictive personal circumstances.
The Unite union continues to seek further concessions, including travel cost payouts, flexible hours for school runs, and exemptions for people with disabilities and carers. While the bank states that its updated onsite working arrangements will take effect as planned, the union maintains that the situation does not require a blanket increase in mandatory office attendance.
