Barclays increases bonus pool by nearly 30% as calls grow for UK bank tax
The News
Barclays increased its banker bonus pool by nearly 30% to £1.3bn for the first half of 2026, up from £1bn a year earlier, following strong second-quarter profits. The TUC leader argued that the bank's £3.3bn quarterly profit demonstrates its ability to pay higher taxes, as calls grow for a tax on UK lenders to support spending proposals by Andy Burnham.
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Barclays second-quarter profits rose by nearly 30%.
The bonus pool figure increased from £1bn in the first half of the previous year.
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Key findings
The TUC leader stated that Barclays' quarterly profits of £3.3bn mean the bank can easily afford to pay more tax.
The Guardian- Barclays second-quarter profits rose by nearly 30%.
- Bonus pool increased from £1bn to £1.3bn.
Plain English
Loaded language removed<p>TUC leader says lender’s ‘bonanza’ quarterly profits of £3.3bn mean it ‘can easily afford to pay more tax’</p><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/live/2026/jul/28/ai-sell-off-chip-stocks-slump-market-south-korea-japan-economy-latest-news">Business live – latest updates</a></p></li></ul><p>Barclays has increased its banker bonus pool by nearly 30%after a rise in…
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Claims
The TUC leader stated that Barclays' quarterly profits of £3.3bn mean the bank can easily afford to pay more tax.
The GuardianBarclays increased its banker bonus pool by nearly 30%.
The GuardianBarclays allocated £1.3bn towards its bonus pool for the first half of the year.
The GuardianThe bonus pool figure increased from £1bn in the first half of the previous year.
The Guardian