NatWest orders 13,000 staff back to their desks two days a week
NatWest will require all its nearly 40,000 UK employees to work in the office at least two days a week from February 2027, ending a remote-first arrangement for some staff. The change has angered Unite, which says it could raise costs and disrupt flexible arrangements for workers with caring responsibilities or disabilities.
About 13,000 employees currently attend the office just twice a month; Unite says many are among the bank’s lower-paid staff. NatWest says regular time together can help colleagues collaborate, share ideas and learn, and says it will give staff time to prepare. Some roles, including traders and branch workers, already require four office days a week.
- NatWest will require UK staff to attend the office twice a week from February 2027.
- Around 13,000 workers will move from two office days a month.
- Unite says the change could increase costs and undermine flexible arrangements.