NatWest has announced a significant change to its working arrangements, requiring nearly 40,000 UK staff to spend a minimum of two days per week in the office starting February 2027. This marks a departure from the bank’s previous “remote first” policy, under which around 13,000 employees were only obligated to attend the office two days per month. The update affects employees across the banking group, which includes Royal Bank of Scotland, NatWest, and Coutts brands.

The revised policy ends the remote-first status for many staff, including those in technology, security, data analytics, human resources, and communications. Approximately 17,000 employees who previously had a hybrid schedule—with office attendance around three days every fortnight—will now be required to attend at least two days each week. Other roles, such as traders, branch workers, and relationship managers, already have a four-day office attendance requirement.

NatWest’s management, led by Chief Executive Paul Thwaite, stated that the move aims to enhance collaboration, knowledge sharing, and relationship building among staff and with customers. A spokesperson emphasized that flexible working remains part of the bank’s approach but highlighted the benefits of increased time together in the office environment.

The announcement has been met with strong opposition from Unite, the trade union representing many of the affected employees. Unite’s general secretary, Sharon Graham, described the changes as a “kick in the teeth” for workers, many of whom have structured their lives around pandemic-era flexible working arrangements. Graham argued that the increased office attendance mandates could add financial strain due to higher commuting and childcare costs, as well as disrupt the routines of carers and disabled employees. She urged NatWest to reconsider its plans and engage more thoroughly with its workforce.

This development follows similar attempts by other major UK lenders to scale back remote work policies introduced during the Covid-19 pandemic. Barclays postponed plans to enforce more office-based work in response to staff backlash, while Lloyds implemented a two-day weekly attendance policy in 2023, which reportedly affected employee engagement scores and executive remuneration.

NatWest acknowledges the transition will require adjustment and has pledged support for employees as they adapt to the new requirements. The bank asserts that the decision reflects lessons learned about productivity and team dynamics experienced during periods of increased office presence. However, the move underscores ongoing tensions in the financial sector as firms balance flexible working expectations with efforts to restore traditional workplace models.