Thousands of Barclays Staff Push Back Against Return-to-Office Mandate

Barclays is facing a backlash from thousands of employees over its return-to-office plans, according to the union Unite, which represents unionised staff at the bank.

The bank announced earlier this summer that staff would be required to work in the office at least three days a week starting in October, with more senior employees expected to attend at least four days a week, the union said.

Unite said staff are calling for payouts to help cover increased travel costs associated with the new policy. The union is also pushing for an exemption for employees who live more than 40 minutes away from their workplace, according to the report.

According to the source, thousands of Barclays staff have joined the campaign against the mandate, reflecting broader tensions across the financial sector as companies attempt to phase out pandemic-era remote work arrangements.

Barclays has not yet issued a public response to the union's specific demands regarding travel compensation or distance-based exemptions, based on available reporting.

The dispute adds to a wider pattern of friction between employers and staff over return-to-office policies as many companies move to reduce flexible working arrangements adopted during the Covid-19 pandemic.