Benefits Agency workers to strike

January 23, 2002 in Workforce

Up to 60,000 staff in jobcentres and benefits
offices across England, Scotland and Wales are expected to go on
strike next Monday and Tuesday over safety.

Staff and members of the Public and Commercial
Services Union had previously walked out for 48 hours in December
in response to the government’s decision to remove protection
screens from benefits offices.

The latest strike has been called after talks
between the union and management broke down. PCS general secretary
Mark Serwotka said: “PCS members regret having to take this action,
but while management have stalled negotiations the attacks on staff
in jobcentres and benefits offices continue week after week.”