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.

NatWest Group has blocked messaging services WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger and Skype on company devices in the UK 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.

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.