Unite Union Calls NatWest's Office Attendance Policy 'Completely Out of Touch'

12:30 PM EDT, 10/20/2026 (MT Newswires) -- Unite the Union criticized NatWest's (NWG.L) decision to terminate its remote-first category and increase the office attendance requirement for 30,000 employees, calling the move "completely out of touch with the realities" its staff faces. The trade union said Tuesday the new policy adds financial pressure on staff already dealing with higher living costs, while disrupting arrangements with carers and disabled workers. It added that the British bank failed to honor its commitments under the 2025 pay deal, and asked the company to "ditch these proposals and engage properly with its workers." In an emailed statement to MT Newswires, NatWest said it plans to introduce a "more consistent approach" across the group by requiring employees to spend at least two days per week in the office, depending on their role and division. "We recognise this will be a change for some colleagues and we're giving them time to plan ahead and will support them through the transition."