Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) has decided to allow over 50,000 of its employees to continue working from home until at least September due to the Covid-19 pandemic, The Guardian reported.
This figure accounts for more than 75% of the bank’s 71,200 employees globally.
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In a memo sent to its employees, the bank revealed its latest plans.
According to The Guardian, nearly 10,000 employees have been working from offices since the lockdown began and 95% of the bank branches have remained open, albeit with reduced hours.
The bank confirmed that 400 more employees will return to offices next month as their jobs include handling sensitive data, which cannot be done from home for operational reasons.
These employees are working in regulated roles, handling confidential client data, at the bank’s offices and call centres.
However, RBS assured that strict physical distancing and other safety measures will be in place to protect the staff.
In the memo, RBS CEO Alison Rose said: “We are now thinking about the most effective way to operate in the medium term, putting in place carefully considered measures for running the bank.
“These include limits of two people per lift, thermal imaging and temperature checks at building entrances, and one-way corridors.
“Hot-desking has been temporarily banned, and there will be at least one empty desk in between persons to ensure social distancing.”
