Following on from last week’s Hybrid vs remote working themes, NatWest announced it only expects about 13% of its staff to return to primarily office-based working while 55% will adopt hybrid working and 32% a remote first model (minimum 2 days pm). HSBC aims to cut its office footprint by 40% over the long-term and is moving some 1,200 call centre staff to permanent home working. NatWest was quick to say they have no immediate plans to close more offices. I can’t help thinking this is an opportunity for Banks to cut back even further on costs under the pretext of Covid19. The reality is this was going to happen anyway – just more slowly. What happens to all that real estate stock these banks have? Developers will have a field day!