PCS strike

Cabinet Office minister Francis Maude encountered a 15-minute walkout by more than 250 staff from HM Revenue and Customs in Coventry last month.

The members of the PCS civil service union were protesting at the government’s plans to review civil servants’ terms and conditions, including hours, holidays and family-friendly policies. This is on top of public sector cuts to jobs, pay and pensions.

Maude, who is behind plans to cut the amount of time union representatives can negotiate with employers, represent members and deal with health and safety issues, had previously suggested unions could hold 15-minute stoppages instead of full days of action.

PCS rep Ian Hough, who helped organise the walkout, said staff had “followed his advice and showed him we can let him know how we feel in 15 minutes”.