One of the UK’s largest banks has banned employees from using instant messaging apps such as WhatsApp, Skype, and Facebook Messenger. NatWest had previously asked workers to ensure they used ‘approved channels’, but has now gone one step further and made messaging platforms inaccessible from company-issued devices.

The UK banking group said it wants its employees to stick to 'approved channels' for work-related communication

NatWest Group has blocked messaging services WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger and Skype on company devices to stop staff using them to communicate with each other.The bank had already told employees to stick to "approved channels" for conversations about business matters.

Companies in the UK and US have began receiving fines for using messaging services such as WhatsApp and Facebook for work communications

NatWest Group staff will no longer be able to use WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger or Skype on their corporate devices

NatWest has taken action in an effort to stick to rules over workers' use of unauthorised electric messaging as well as to avoid hefty fines.