NatWest Mandates Two-Day Office Week Amid Union Backlash

NatWest Group is requiring employees to work from the office at least two days a week, reversing a hybrid model that previously allowed some staff to attend the office only twice per month. The bank stated the policy change aims to leverage the value of in-person collaboration for both colleagues and customers.

The mandate has drawn sharp criticism from the Unite union, which argues the move violates a 2025 pay deal that required consultation before changing office attendance rules. Union leaders warn that the requirement imposes significant financial burdens on employees already dealing with rising childcare costs and commuting expenses.

Sharon Graham, General Secretary of Unite, described the policy as a financial blow to workers. Caren Evans, Unite National Officer for Finance, noted that remote work is often a necessity for employees managing health conditions or caring responsibilities rather than a perk. The shift at NatWest aligns with a broader global trend of companies rolling back pandemic-era remote work policies to increase productivity.