DWP members begin 20-day strike

PCS members working for the Department for Work and Pensions tomorrow (February 9) begin 20 days’ strike action. 

Around 500 members in Bolton and Stockport will take action until February 18 while 170 members working in four Liverpool job centres will take action until March 3.

The strikes, part of the union’s escalating national dispute over pay, pensions, redundancy terms and job security, will affect those claiming Universal Credit.

The lowest-paid members working for the DWP earn an average salary of £21,000 and will receive a pay rise in April only because the National Minimum Wage rises then.

PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka said: “Our members are absolutely livid at being at the bottom of the heap when it comes to pay.

"They worked tirelessly through the pandemic, delivering Universal Credit to millions, yet find themselves treated with disdain by the same government that clapped them a few short years ago.

“They have had enough of poverty pay and being taken for granted, which is why they’re taking extended action. Ministers can stop the strike tomorrow if they put some money on the table.”

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