Goldman Sachs pushes back office return plans after government extends lockdown
Goldman Sachs has pushed back plans to bring its UK staff back to the office after the government decided to extend the current Covid-19 restrictions for another month.
The bank was preparing to bring staff back in June, but told workers overnight that it would delay its plans.
A note to staff from Goldman Sachs International chief executive Richard Gnodde, first reported by the BBC and seen by City A.M., said that the firm’s current working arrangements would continue, with the lender’s office in the City remaining open.
“For those of you who want to make continued use of Plumtree Court, the office remains open and available in line with government guidance and our own health and safety measures including the mandatory on-site screening programme, the wearing of masks at all times (except when at your desk) and social distancing.”
He added that “the majority of our people have either had their first dose or expect to receive it before Monday 21 June”.
The news comes after it was reported this morning that ministers were mulling keeping the government’s existing working from home guidance beyond 19 July.
Banks have been divided on the subject, with some bosses fiercely in favour of getting staff back in to the office sooner rather than later.
Among these is Goldman’s group chief exec David Solomon, who has described the practice as an “aberration”.
But other banks have made plans to move to a “hybrid” model of work. NatWest, for example, will keep a third of its 59,300 staff working remotely, with 55 per cent dividing their time between home and the office.