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05/12/2005
Strike ballot for civil service staff
Department of Work and Pensions staff are being balloted on a two-day strike over job cuts.
The Public and Commercial Services Union has sent out papers to 90,000 members working in jobcentres, benefit offices, pension centres and the Child Support Agency across England, Scotland and Wales.
Around 14,500 DWP jobs have been axed, out of 30,000 planned job cuts, as part of a government drive to cut 70,000 jobs across the rest of the civil service.
The PCS said that the cuts had led to the “deterioration of key services”, such as benefit payments and job broking services. The job cuts had already contributed to one million benefit calls going unanswered and some people having to wait eight weeks before they received their first benefit payment, the union warned.
The PCS said that the pressure on staff was now “unacceptable” and the deteriorating service had led to a “significant increase” in problems in local offices.
Mark Serwotka, PCS General Secretary said: “Our members will not stand idly by and watch the services they deliver to some of the most disadvantaged in society being damaged by crude job cuts.
“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.
“Strike action is not a step we take lightly and we stand ready to reach a negotiated outcome that meets the interests of the public and staff, but the government needs to take stock of the damage its cuts programme is having and think again.”
The strike ballot closes on January 6, 2006.
(KMcA/SP)
The Public and Commercial Services Union has sent out papers to 90,000 members working in jobcentres, benefit offices, pension centres and the Child Support Agency across England, Scotland and Wales.
Around 14,500 DWP jobs have been axed, out of 30,000 planned job cuts, as part of a government drive to cut 70,000 jobs across the rest of the civil service.
The PCS said that the cuts had led to the “deterioration of key services”, such as benefit payments and job broking services. The job cuts had already contributed to one million benefit calls going unanswered and some people having to wait eight weeks before they received their first benefit payment, the union warned.
The PCS said that the pressure on staff was now “unacceptable” and the deteriorating service had led to a “significant increase” in problems in local offices.
Mark Serwotka, PCS General Secretary said: “Our members will not stand idly by and watch the services they deliver to some of the most disadvantaged in society being damaged by crude job cuts.
“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.
“Strike action is not a step we take lightly and we stand ready to reach a negotiated outcome that meets the interests of the public and staff, but the government needs to take stock of the damage its cuts programme is having and think again.”
The strike ballot closes on January 6, 2006.
(KMcA/SP)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A dry day with long spells of sunshine for most, however eastern coasts will see rather more in the way of cloud at times, with just the risk of an odd light morning shower. Mainly light northerly winds. Maximum temperature 13 °C.Tonight:A fine end to the day with some evening sunshine. It remains dry overnight with a touch of frost possible in places, although cloud is expected to increase towards dawn. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
