Can anyone tell me what Barclays are like to work for?

[nulgirl]

I am considering taking a job with Barclays and wondered if anyone could tell me what they are like as employers. The role that I'm considering is a back office analyst (no fat cat bonuses for me). Would be going back full time but might see whether I could reduce my days or work compressed hours.

Are they family friendly?- cringes as she uses that term.
They've said it is an excellent benefits package but haven't specified what. Are they quite generous and what does it typically include?

Am going to speak to the agency but don't want to ask too many questions about flexible working etc in case I come over as workshy :)

A relative of mine used to work for Barclays. She liked it but she has recently moved to a different company doing the same job for half the pay because it is 9-5 (with a 7-3 day once a week so she can pick her DD up from school) and no out of hours contact at all. She didn't find Barclays all that family friendly.

Thanks. That is what I was afraid of. We didn't really discuss it at the interview but I suppose I'd ideally like to work 4 days or work from home one or two days a week. Am finding it difficult at interviews as everyone mentions the kids and questions whether I can travel etc. This seems to put me on the back foot and then I don't want to ask questions which would make me look like I'm not going to give it my all

Pretty sure that mentioning your children at interviews is illegal?

They mention the kids because I have 2 maternity gaps in my cv and you have to account for all your movements. Because I was a contractor I wasn't working during this time. Some recruitment agencies have even asked to see birth certificates and asked for personal references who can testify that I was slouching round at toddler groups and not actually in prison :)

Wow!