Lloyds bank staff are planning a Glasgow protest over an “out of touch” new scheme.

Unions are claiming that flexible working hours are being threatened which would affect around 4000 people.

The bank currently operates compressed working arrangements for staff. Usually compressed working hours mean employees work their total contracted hours over fewer working days. 

Now unions claim the Lloyds Banking Group are planning to remove this support after introducing a "ill-conceived pilot" project in April which could disproportionately impact women, carers, and disabled staff. 

Unite members are criticising management and are demanding that the bank allows staff to continue working flexible hours.

They fear staff will struggle during the cost of living crisis if they are forced to fork out cash for childcare or lose their jobs if the support is removed.

The protest outside the Annual General Meeting at Glasgow's SEC Armadillo today at 9am is calling the move a “backwards step”.

Sharon Graham, Unite General Secretary said: “Unite members are saying clearly that Lloyds Banking Group must drop this ill-conceived pilot which grievously disadvantages women, carers and disabled staff working at the bank.

“The scheme means increased childcare and family costs during a cost of living crisis and it will badly affect staff who need to work compressed hours.

“The great fear is that a pilot is only a step away from an introduction of such changed working conditions.

“At a time when progressive employers are moving towards modern ways of working, it appears that LBG management are well out of touch.”

Lloyds Banking Group have been contacted by the Glasgow Times for comment.