LONDON — Barclays is facing employee resistance to plans to require thousands of workers to spend more time in the office, with staff backing union demands for exemptions for employees with longer commutes and a one-time payment to help cover additional costs, according to the Financial Times.
The British bank has told affected employees they will be required to work from the office at least three days a week beginning next month, while senior leaders will be expected to be in the office at least four days a week, the Financial Times reported.
Thousands of full-time employees currently are required to work in the office two days a week, according to a memo from Unite cited by the Financial Times. The union represents nearly 80% of Barclays’ approximately 45,000 employees in the United Kingdom.
Unite has called on Barclays to halt implementation of the changes and has encouraged employees to sign an open letter opposing the new requirements while the union seeks further discussions with the bank.
“Thousands of employees have signed the letter, and the figure continues to rise,” Rick Coyle, a national officer with Unite, told the Financial Times. “Unite will be speaking to Barclays about the strength of feeling in the days ahead.”
Union Seeks Commuting Exemptions
Among its demands, Unite is seeking exemptions from the increased office requirements for employees whose commutes exceed 40 minutes or 35 miles each way, according to the Financial Times.
The union also is seeking greater flexibility for employees with caregiving responsibilities and for workers who want to commute during less expensive, off-peak periods.
Unite has argued that Barclays’ changes would create “substantial challenges for many employees” and said the bank has not provided an evidence-based justification for increasing its office requirements, according to the Financial Times.
More Than 90% Want Delay
The union said 94% of respondents to its most recent survey wanted Barclays to delay the changes until consultations between the bank and Unite are completed.
“Our members think that Barclays is trying to fix a problem that doesn’t exist,” Coyle told the Financial Times.
The union also wants Barclays to provide employees with a one-time payment before March to help offset the costs associated with spending additional time in the office
Bank Cites Collaboration, Leadership Visibility
Barclays continues to negotiate with Unite over the changes but has not agreed to the union’s demands, according to the Financial Times.
The bank defended its approach, saying it is attempting to balance workplace flexibility with the benefits of having employees work together in person.
“We recognize the benefits of balancing flexibility for colleagues with the importance of working together in our physical locations,” Barclays told the Financial Times.
The bank said its minimum office attendance requirements vary among business units based on the type of work performed and business needs.
Barclays said most employees who are not already working in an office three days a week will be brought into line with the bank’s broader approach. Its most senior executives will be expected to spend an additional day in the office, which Barclays said is intended to promote collaboration, decision-making and leadership visibility.
