Universal credit staff to launch two-day strike over workload and low recruitment

Union boss says members cannot stand by while ministers make their job ‘impossible’

Staff at two sites dealing with the universal credit benefits system will launch a two-day strike on Tuesday in a dispute over workloads and staff recruitment.

It will be the second stoppage by members of the Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union at Wolverhampton and Walsall.

PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka said: "Our members who work to support some of the most vulnerable members of society will not put up with DWP management ignoring their real concerns over staffing and underinvestment.

"This strike will be part of sustained campaign of action which could spread to other parts of universal credit, if the government doesn't meet union negotiators to discuss workers' concerns.

"Our members care passionately about the work they do and the people they support."

He added: "However, they cannot stand idly by while ministers make the job of supporting claimants impossible."

PCS members are demanding the recruitment of 5,000 more staff, permanent contracts for fixed-term employees and a limit to the number of phone calls required per case manager.

More than 90 per cent of the 274 members balloted voted for the strike earlier this month.

A Department for Work and Pensions spokesperson said: "We are disappointed that the PCS in Walsall and Wolverhampton has taken this course of action.

"Supporting our customers remains a priority and contingencies are in place to maintain our services.

"Our frontline staff deliver vital support to around 20 million people across the country and we are committed to supporting them in their roles, including by monitoring staff levels and making sure their caseloads are manageable."

Press Association