Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment (PIP) recipients may face disruption at Jobcentre Plus offices due to imminent industrial action. The Department for Work and Pensions has been notified of the planned strikes by staff, who are set to undertake at least 14 days of industrial action over the next month in a pay row with their employer, G4S Group.
The contracted workers, affiliated with PCS, the largest civil service union, and members of the GMB union, have escalated their dispute with G4S this summer, resulting in extended strike periods. PCS has declared that its members will commence seven-day strikes starting on September 9 and again on September 23.
PCS General Secretary Fran Heathcote has called out G4S for failing to recognise that its employees will not accept the current pay proposal. “When will G4S get the message that our members will not sit back and accept a pay rise that is just 23p above the National Living Wage while G4S rakes in millions?” she said.
Heathcote underscored the daily dangers faced by members ensuring Jobcentre staff and visitors’ safety, arguing that G4S has the resources to offer a fair wage. “Our members risk their safety every day to protect Jobcentre workers and visitors. G4S can afford to pay them a decent wage, so why don’t they?” Meanwhile, GMB National Officer Eamon O’Hearn expressed concerns from security guards about how the early-release scheme might significantly increase the risks they face, Birmingham Live reports.
“With the increase in ex-cons being released early, we could see a perfect storm for chaos, abuse and disorder in Jobcentres,” he commented. “Unless these workers are offered a fair pay deal, that reflects the risks inherent in their work, they will have no option [but] to continue industrial action.”
The PCS union has approximately 400 members working for G4S on the DWP contract. In contrast, the GMB union has about 1,500 members involved in this agreement, according to Civil Service World, which sought a comment from G4S regarding the latest strike announcements.
However, at the time of publication, CSW had not received a response from G4S.
