Unite has criticised NatWest's plans to require more than 30,000 employees to spend more time in the office, claiming the move will increase costs for staff and undermine flexible working arrangements.

The union said the changes will affect up to 13,497 employees currently classed as remote-first, who typically attend the office around two days each month. A further 17,272 hybrid workers will also have to increase their office attendance.

Unite argued that many of the affected employees work in lower-paid roles and have organised their childcare, caring responsibilities and health needs around flexible working arrangements that have been in place for several years.

The union also claims NatWest has failed to follow commitments made as part of the 2025 pay agreement. According to Unite, the agreement included a jointly developed process for consulting staff and union representatives before making changes to office attendance. The union alleges the bank instead presented a finalised proposal without meaningful consultation.

In response, Unite has launched a survey of its NatWest members to assess the financial, practical and personal impact of the changes. It is also holding a series of online and workplace meetings before deciding its next steps.

Unite is calling on NatWest to pause the rollout of the new policy, return to the agreed consultation process and negotiate with employee representatives.

Sharon Graham, general secretary at Unite, said: "This is yet another kick in the teeth for workers who have suffered years of real-terms pay cuts and who are struggling to make ends meet. NatWest's decision is completely out of touch with the realities facing its workforce.

"For NatWest to impose these changes while reneging on existing agreements shows complete contempt for its workforce. NatWest must ditch these proposals and engage properly with its workers."

Caren Evans, national officer for finance at Unite, said: "For many workers, homeworking is not a perk. It is what allows them to balance work with caring responsibilities or manage a health condition. These arrangements have worked successfully for years."

Earlier this year, Barclays delayed the introduction of a three-day-a-week office attendance requirement for UK staff until the start of 2027 after thousands of employees backed opposition to the changes.

The policy was due to take effect on 5 October, replacing Barclays' existing requirement for most staff to work from the office two days a week. Under the revised arrangements, more senior employees, including managing directors, would be expected to attend for at least four days a week.

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