Barclays PLC is facing intensifying resistance to its office return plan, as thousands of employees rally behind a petition demanding exemptions for those with commutes exceeding 40 minutes each way, along with a one-time payment to offset higher travel costs. The bank has informed affected staff that, starting next month, they will be required to be in the office at least three days per week, while senior management must attend for a minimum of four days.
The Unite union, which represents nearly 80% of Barclays' 45,000 UK employees, stated in a memo that current policy already requires thousands of full-time staff to work from the office two days a week. The union is calling for a suspension of the new plan and is encouraging workers to sign an open letter to keep pressure on the bank. Rick Coyle, a national officer for Unite, said: "Thousands of staff have already signed the letter, and that number is continuing to grow. In the coming days, Unite will relay the strength of employee discontent directly to Barclays."
Barclays is the latest global bank to encounter pushback as it attempts to scale back remote working, a practice that became widespread during the pandemic. Unite is also pressing for greater flexibility for employees with caregiving responsibilities and for those wishing to travel during cheaper off-peak hours. The union argues that the bank's proposal would "create enormous difficulties for many workers" and accuses Barclays of failing to provide an "evidence-based rationale" for the return-to-office policy.
According to the union, 94% of respondents in its latest survey demanded a delay in the policy change until negotiations with Unite have concluded. The union is also requesting that the bank issue a one-time "attendance payment" to all staff by March next year. Additionally, Unite proposes that employees with one-way commutes exceeding 40 minutes or 35 miles should be exempt from the requirement.
Coyle added: "Our members believe Barclays is trying to solve a problem that doesn’t exist." The bank remains in discussions with the union over the policy adjustment but has not yet agreed to the demands. Barclays stated: "We value the balance between employee flexibility and the importance of in-person collaboration. Our minimum attendance requirements are tailored by business area to reflect the nature of different roles and operational needs."
"This means that the majority of colleagues who are not currently attending three days a week will align with this group-wide expectation. At the same time, senior leaders will add an extra day on site to enhance collaboration, decision-making, and leadership visibility."
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