More than 1,000 Bank of England employees worked remotely from abroad last year under a flexible remote working scheme, according to newly disclosed figures. The program allowed staff to log in from overseas locations for up to 40 days, with the average time spent working remotely from abroad totaling approximately 12 days per employee.

In total, 1,040 staff members participated in the scheme during the past year. The Bank of England invested roughly £12 million over the last three years to purchase nearly 11,000 laptops to support remote working capabilities for its workforce. Specific details about where employees worked while abroad have not been made public.

The arrangement has prompted criticism from some politicians and observers who say it demonstrates a disconnect between the central bank and the broader public. Reform Member of Parliament Robert Jenrick commented that many people struggling with rising living costs and unable to afford international travel would find the practice surprising. Former Conservative MP Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg described the policy as “extravagant,” emphasizing that the institution should uphold a more austere image.

The Bank of England has not publicly responded to the criticisms but maintains that flexible working arrangements are part of its broader effort to modernize operations and promote employee wellbeing.

The remote working scheme was introduced as part of the Bank’s response to evolving workplace norms in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, enabling staff to maintain productivity outside traditional office environments. The extent to which remote work from abroad will continue or change remains unclear as the financial institution navigates its post-pandemic workforce strategy.