‘From the beach’ | Bank of England plays down criticism of 'work from abroad' HR policy

The Bank of England has defended an HR initiative that allows staff to work abroad, after attempts by critics to paint the policy as inefficient and a cybersecurity risk.

Opponents to the policy, including current and former MPs, suggested that Bank of England officials were “working from the beach.”

A spokesperson for the Bank rubbished the complaints, pointing out that as an organisational footprint, it is typical to expect that some colleagues may need to spend short periods overseas.

Bank of England’s controversial work from abroad policy

Under the policy, eligible employees at the Bank of England are permitted to work from a set of approved foreign countries for up to 40 days per year.