Jobcentre staff launch 48-hour strike

There were strikes in January over security concerns

Jobcentre and benefit office staff across London have begun a 48-hour strike, to protest against the alleged victimisation of a union representative.

Up to 1,100 of the Public and Commercial Services union are expected to join the walkout, which will be followed by a work-to-rule and overtime ban.

The action is being taken in support of Chris Ford, a London branch secretary who is said to be facing possible dismissal following allegations of misconduct on picket lines earlier this year during a nationwide dispute over security in Jobcentres.

A spokesman for the Department for Work and Pensions has said strike action is unnecessary and will prevent them carrying out a full investigation.

These complaints are being handled according to agreed procedures and no-one has been disciplined or suspended

Department for Work and Pensions

Mark Serwotka, the union's general secretary, said: "Strike action is always a last resort but we have exhausted every other avenue available to us in an effort to resolve this dispute."

The union has lodged an employment tribunal case on behalf of Mr Ford.

The Department for Work and Pensions spokesman said: "We have a duty to the complainant and the subject of the complaint to investigate it fully, which we are doing.

"These complaints are being handled according to agreed procedures and no-one has been disciplined or suspended.

"It seems to be quite wrong that industrial action should be threatened to prevent us carrying out a full and impartial investigation."