Barclays is experiencing significant staff opposition to its decision to tighten its home working policy. Thousands of employees have supported a call for exemptions from the bank's new mandate, which requires most staff to work in the office three days a week.
The updated policy also stipulates that senior leaders are expected to be in the office four days a week. Currently, thousands of full-time workers are required to be in the office two days a week.
More than 1,000 staff have signed a letter organised by the Unite union, which represents nearly 80% of Barclays' 45,000 UK staff. Rick Coyle, a national officer at Unite, stated that "thousands of employees have signed the letter and figures continue to rise."
Unite is also advocating for greater flexibility for staff with caring responsibilities and those who wish to commute during off-peak times. The union claims that 94% of respondents to its latest survey want the changes delayed until consultations with Unite are concluded.
Barclays has stated it recognises "the benefits of balancing flexibility for colleagues with the importance of working together in our physical locations." The bank is engaging with the union regarding its return-to-office plans.