Outsourced workers to disrupt DWP services on election day

PCS last week announced further strike action at DWP jobcentres on the week of the general election to send a message that those on G4S contracts must receive a decent pay increase.

More than 200 PCS members working as security guards in jobcentres, where they are employed by G4S to provide essential security to keep DWP employees and claimants safe, will take action on election week from 4 July to 7 July.

They will also walk out from 15 July to 21 July, and from 29 July to 4 August.

The strike action has already caused the closure of a large number of offices to the public, seriously disrupting the department's ability to deliver frontline services.

PCS General Secretary Fran Heathcote said: “It is a scandal how G4S makes millions while exploiting workers like our security guard members in the DWP. It is an even bigger scandal that these workers deliver public services on private contracts, enriching the company with taxpayer money.

“The incoming government will be welcomed by a wave of strikes by our members on G4S contracts in the DWP. They have a choice: to start their administration by ending the dispute and moving to scrap outsourcing or to spend their first days dealing with closed jobcentres up and down the country.”

ends

Note to editors: The day after the election (5 July), a protest will be held by G4S employees and civil servants from across London at DWP HQ at Caxton House, Tothill Street, SW1H 9NA.To arrange an interview on the day of this rally, please email press@pcs.org.uk