The Royal Bank of Scotland Group has told its staff that the vast majority of them can continue to work from home until 2021.

The RBS move comes despite the UK government’s decision last week to scrap guidance encouraging people to work from home.

“In May we shared that the vast majority of colleagues working from home would continue to do so until at least the end of September,” said RBS.

“Today we’re confirming that this will remain the case into 2021.”

RBS has about 60,000 staff and around 10,000 of the group’s staff around the world continued to work in offices, branches and call centres during the coronavirus lockdown.

RBS said last week that its name change to NatWest Group plc will take effect on Wednesday, July 22, 2020.

RBS was rescued in a £45.5 billion bailout in 2008 by the UK government, which still owns 62.4% of the bank.

In a memo to staff on Monday, RBS explained the option for roughly 50,000 staff to work from home until 2021.

RBS said: “Like we’ve done throughout the pandemic the decision has been made carefully, including considering the latest guidance from the UK Government on Friday and our own health and safety standards and procedures.

“It’s a cautious approach but we feel the right one to take currently.”

RBS added: “The situation and local government advice will continue to evolve and there will be differences across our jurisdictions.

“We’re in a fortunate position that so many of our colleagues can work from home and we feel it’s the right decision to continue doing so into 2021.”