DWP strike causing assessment delays

Some jobcentres were forced to close yesterday and today after security staff launched a 24-hour strike in a dispute over pay and safety.

The walkout was the first of several planned throughout May and could lead to assessments taking longer to complete.

More than 1,000 security staff employed by G4S chose to strike. Trade Union, GMB said its members were forced to act after four out of five security guards claimed they had been the victim of abuse in their jobs, with some having been attacked by dogs or punched by members of the public.

According to the GMB, many are verbally abused daily and have had to deal with racist abuse, death threats, and threats to their families.

Eamon O’Hearn, a GBM national officer said: “G4S and the Department for Work and Pensions are happy to let guards scrape by on the minimum wage.

“Yet shocking survey results really bring home the terrifying pressure these guards work under. It’s not good enough – and for the first time guards are standing together to do something about it.”

Security guards also plan to strike on May 13, 20, 28 and 29.

The DWP said jobcentres will remain open where it is safe to do so. Any that are forced to close will contact customers to make them aware of the changes. However, closures will cause disruption to assessments in some areas and could slow down the process.

Benefit and state pension payments should not be affected.