Barclays Bank

Barclays is requiring employees to be in the office at least three days a week from next month, and managers at least four days, up from the previous two mandatory days. The union Unite, which represents much of the UK workforce, is organizing resistance and is calling for exemptions for commuters and caregiving responsibilities as well as a one-off attendance allowance. Unite also demands exceptions for long commutes and says Barclays' justification is not evidence-based. Barclays and Unite are in talks, but the union's demands have not been accepted so far. » More on manager-magazin.de

Unite, representing nearly 80% of Barclays’ 45,000 UK staff, says thousands have signed an open letter opposing the bank’s plan to require most employees to be in the office at least three days a week from October and senior staff four days. The union is demanding travel payouts and exemptions for staff who live more than 40 minutes away. Barclays says its minimum in-office requirements vary by business area to balance flexibility with collaboration and that most colleagues not already in three days will align with the new approach. » More on theguardian.com

Barclays sees underlying growth in Europe as stable, even though rising oil prices, higher interest rates and political unrest are slowing the equity rally. The bank positions itself neutral versus the US and continues to favour German stocks as well as banks and capital goods. Barclays lowers its view on the luxury sector to neutral and highlights that investment is supporting the growth story, while consumer data is under pressure from higher energy costs. » More on finanzen.net