Universal Credit staff vote to strike over workloads and staff shortages
Staff working on the Universal Credit benefits system have voted to strike in a dispute over workloads and recruitment.
Members of the Public and Commercial Services union (PCS) based in Wolverhampton and Walsall will walk out for two days in March.
The union claimed the service has faced “severe under investment”, staff shortages and criticism from claimants on how they are treated.
PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka said: “The message from our members is clear – changes need to be made otherwise they will walkout for two consecutive days.
“The union has tried to negotiate for months but to no avail. Ministers have stuck their heads in the sand and our members are now sending them a very loud wake-up call.
“PCS members have not taken the decision to strike lightly but the fact is industrial relations have broken down because ministers seem intent on running this service into the ground while treating staff with utter contempt.”
Around 270 staff were balloted, with over 90% voting in favour of action, said the PCS.
A Department for Work and Pensions spokesman said the result was “disappointing”, adding: “We greatly value the work that our colleagues do and our top priority remains assessing and making payments to customers.
“We are comfortable with current staffing levels and will monitor and reallocate resources where necessary.
“Contingencies are under way to ensure the smooth running of our services to minimise any impact.
“We urge PCS to seek to resolve this through further dialogue.”
Margaret Greenwood, shadow work and pensions secretary, said: “It is shocking that staff working in DWP offices are feeling so stressed through overwork that they are going on strike and calling for the Government to recruit more staff.
“Not only is the Government’s flagship social security policy Universal Credit failing claimants, the Government is failing the DWP staff who work so hard.
“Labour will deliver a social security system that treats those in need and the people who are employed to support them with respect.”
Copyright (c) Press Association Ltd. 2019, All Rights Reserved. Picture (c) Kirsty O’Connor / PA Wire.
