Jobcentre strike goes national

A national strike involving 4,000 staff in 57 Jobcentre Plus staff in "Pathfinder" offices is underway following a vote by members of civil service union PCS.

The dispute centres on the removal of safety screens, but also draws in other issues around the amalgamation of Jobcentres with Benefits Agency offices in the new Department for Work and Pensions. The action began in London with 480 members in the boroughs of Brent and Lewisham taking action from 4 September.

The union was involved in negotiations as Labour Research went to press.