BoE Staff Spent Over 13K Days Working Abroad Amid Inflation Concerns

The Bank of England (BoE) has faced criticism over its overseas working policy, which allowed employees to work from abroad for up to 40 days a year. In 2025, staff collectively recorded 12,889 days working from foreign locations under the scheme, with around one in five BoE employees participating.

The figures were revealed as inflation remains a key focus for the BoE, which warned last week that it could rise to 3.2% before the end of the year. Conservative Party chairman Kevin Hollinrake called on BoE governor Andrew Bailey to justify the policy and demonstrate its public interest.

Robert Jenrick, Reform UK's treasury spokesman, also criticized the arrangement, saying 'While inflation is set to spike and the economy is teetering on the brink of a recession, Bank of England officials are working from the beach.'

The BoE defended the policy, stating it was intended for staff who temporarily work outside the UK. However, Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg, the former Conservative MP, criticized the rate at which laptops were being replaced, saying 'It seems rather extravagant to buy a new laptop for every member of staff every 20 months while the level of absence abroad is unbelievable.'

The BoE spent over £12 million purchasing 10,796 laptops and £764,000 on 1,440 mobile phones in the past three financial years.