# NatWest orders 13,000 staff back to office twice weekly

> The bank is scrapping its remote-first policy from February 2027, forcing lowest-paid workers to commute two days a week instead of two days a month.
- Title: NatWest orders 13,000 staff back to office twice weekly
- Summary: The bank is scrapping its remote-first policy from February 2027, forcing lowest-paid workers to commute two days a week instead of two days a month. NatWest…
- Keywords: natwest, return to office, remote working, unite union, uk banking, flexible working, news, world, orders, 000, staff, back
- Source: the Guardian — https://theguardian.com/business/2026/oct/20/natwest-staff-back-two-days-a-week-policy
- Published: 2026-10-20T16:45:24+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: natwest, return to office, remote working, unite union, uk banking, flexible working, news, world
## NatWest tightens office attendance rules
NatWest has ordered thirteen thousand staff to increase in-office days from two days a month to two days a week from February twenty twenty-seven, scrapping a remote-first policy.
## The change hits lowest-paid workers hardest
The thirteen thousand affected staff include some of NatWest's lowest-paid workers in technology, security, data analytics and human resources roles who currently work from home most days.
## Unite warns of financial and personal impact
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said the change would pile additional financial pressure on staff already struggling with rising living costs and would increase travel and childcare costs.

> This is yet another kick in the teeth for workers who have suffered years of real-terms pay cuts and who are struggling to make ends meet.
## NatWest says collaboration is the goal
NatWest said the policy helps teams collaborate, share ideas, build relationships and learn from one another, echoing arguments made by JP Morgan and Revolut about training younger staff.
## Barclays faced similar backlash last month
Barclays was forced to push back its return-to-office plans after staff backlash backed by Unite, eventually allowing some staff to delay the requirement until next year.
## Key takeaway

NatWest is requiring thirteen thousand staff to attend the office two days a week from February twenty twenty-seven, up from two days a month, drawing union criticism over costs and flexibility.