'Scrooge' sparks rebellion at RBS

ROYAL Bank of Scotland boss Fred Goodwin has been labelled a Scrooge by banking unions after calling for staff north of the border to man the cash tills on 2 January - traditionally a Bank Holiday in Scotland.

RBS said it needs branches open to cater for New Year shoppers. Banking union Unifi said workers would strike in protest at management's plans to open one third of its Scottish branches.

The confrontation enhances the reputation of Goodwin - nicknamed Fred the Shred for his merciless efficiency. Dai Davies, of Unifi, said: 'This behaviour is typical. RBS is the most Dickensian employer in the finance industry. One third of staff had no pay rise this year, though the bank is predicted to make more than £5bn profit.'

Goodwin's own pay package was £2.26m for the 15 months to last December.

Less than one third of RBS Scottish employees are members of Unifi. The bank says only a tiny percentage of staff were in favour of the strike, and claims that some workers could not vote because of errors on the union's membership lists. But Unifi claims it has resolved these issues.

RBS said volunteers for the shift would receive an extra day's holiday. A spokesman added: 'We are obviously disappointed that the union has called this action. We have more than enough volunteers to cover our requirements on the day. The small number voting indicates there is little appetite for a strike.'