UK’s Lloyd’s Bank is facing a revolt from staff over a perceived ‘attack’ on flexible working.

The bank has launched a review of its working conditions, including a pilot trial which could result in changes to compressed hours arrangements that enable staff who are balancing work with care for dependents.

At the bank’s annual general meeting in Glasgow, representatives from employee union Unite informed Lloyds that thousands of staff had signed a collective grievance opposing the pilot scheme.

Delegates from the union told the event that the pilot was a "direct attack on working parents and carers" and that it would cost staff several thousands of pounds to meet commitments. It added that thousands of workers could be affected and branded the scheme as a “backwards step”.

A number of staff and union members were seen protesting against the pilot scheme outside of the Glasgow venue.

Elsewhere, another employee union Accord has challenged Lloyds’ expectation that staff work from the office at least two days a week. Other banks, such as JPMorgan, have publicly pushed for staff to return to offices.

Speaking at the event, chairman Robin Budenberg said that Lloyds wanted to ensure flexible working was fair for everyone and said that "no decisions have been taken.”

A spokesperson for Lloyds added that the company is "a strong advocate of flexible working" and remains committed to providing a ‘supportive and rewarding’ place to work.

Share Story: