For members in Lloyds Banking Group.
There’s no getting away from it, discussions over recent months have been tough as we’ve worked with our colleagues in Unite to protect compressed working under LBG’s current Agile Working Policy.
The current offering is subject to line manager agreement and operational requirements, but it isn’t restricted in any other way – for example, the reason why someone might ask for compressed hours and/or for how long they can keep them.
Thousands of LBG colleagues have applied for and been granted compressed hours. Many staff have had these arrangements in place for years and have organised their work/life balance around them. So, the decision to phase out compressed working will be massively disruptive.
Despite the unions’ strong representations, which included a collective grievance submitted by Unite, that’s what LBG has decided to do.
At the same time, it has launched a new ‘Flexibility Works’ offering.
What this means in practice is:
During discussions, we’ve been concerned at the lack of consideration LBG has given to the ‘pros’ of compressed hours working such as:
Choosing, instead, to focus on the ‘cons’ – most notably the difficulties it says the business experiences in scheduling meetings because of incompatible work schedules which makes it difficult to collaborate, delays decision making and holds up progress.
We’re told the decision has the full backing of LBG’s Group Executive Committee and Board – who are collectively responsible for the long-term success of the business. And that there are clear and strong reasons for implementing the change.
It’s not our job to explain LBG’s decision, but so you have the full picture you can read the GEC’s message here.
We remain of the view that there is a much less disruptive way of dealing with problem areas where compressed hours stand in the way of decision making and progress.
Our representations haven’t completely fallen on deaf ears. We’ve been able to:
We’ve also made it clear that we will continue to campaign on those areas of the new offering where we believe further improvements are needed.
If you’re impacted, we’re here to help. Read our guide on preparing for your 121 discussions and get in touch if you need individual support.