Thousands of Barclays employees have signed a Unite open letter opposing the bank’s plan to increase office attendance from October. The policy would require most staff to work in the office at least three days a week, while senior employees would be expected to attend four days, prompting calls for travel-cost payments and exemptions for those living more than 40 minutes away.

Unite represents nearly 80% of Barclays’ 45,000 UK employees and plans to discuss the concerns with the bank. Barclays says office requirements vary by business area and are intended to balance flexibility with collaboration, decision-making and leadership visibility; the move follows similar restrictions introduced by other major banks since the pandemic.