Benefits workers vote for strike

Strike ballots were sent to around 90,000 PCS members

Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) staff have voted for a two-day nationwide strike over job cuts.

The Public and Commercial Services union (PCS) said 60% of 26,269 ballots returned - a 32% turnout - were in favour of a strike.

It follows plans to cut 30,000 jobs in jobcentres, benefit offices, pension centres and the Child Support Agency.

The DWP said: "We want to continue to work with [PCS members] through discussion, not industrial action."

In a statement, the department said: "We are absolutely committed to our service to the public.

"If the PCS do decide to strike, our robust contingency plans will ensure that our top priority - to make payment to our customers - is maintained."

The department and the government need to halt the job cuts programme and engage with the union Mark Serwotka PCS general secretary

Some 14,200 posts have already closed within the department and PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka said services could be permanently impaired.

"This vote sends out a clear message that our members will not sit back and allow the services that they deliver and care about damaged beyond repair," he said.

"It is unacceptable that job cuts in the name of efficiency are actually leading to people having to wait longer to get advice about finding a job or understanding the benefits they are entitled to.

"The department and the government need to halt the job cuts programme and engage with the union in objectively assessing staffing needs and the impact of staffing levels on services."

Mr Serwotka added the union was still prepared to negotiate but would strike if no agreement could be reached.

But a DWP spokeswoman added: "It is completely wrong to claim that our modernisation programme is damaging services to customers. Quite the opposite - the change programme is improving services to customers by shifting resources to the frontline."

Strike dates would be announced on 11 January, the union said.