Barclays softens return-to-office plans for UK staff after backlash

Bank allows employees to delay being in workplace at least three days a week until 2027, if permission granted

Barclays has watered down its return-to-office plans after a major staff backlash, with the bank allowing some employees to wait until next year before having to be in at least three days a week.

The bank this summer announced the attendance requirement would come in for its 45,000 UK staff from 5 October, with more senior employees expected to come in for at least four days. That compares with current rules requiring staff to come in for two.

automatic exemptions of in-office attendance rules during school holidays and Christmas;

capping in-office requirements at one day a week for any carers or people with disabilities;

flexible start and finish times to allow for cheaper off-peak travel costs and to accommodate school pickup and drop-offs;

subsidised onsite meal costs;

and a single, consolidated payment made to all staff to make up for the costs of coming into the office, before March 2027.