Warning to anyone claiming benefits as DWP to close some Job Centres this week
A UK Job Centre
Job Centre security guards are set to commence a week-long strike on Monday, escalating an ongoing pay dispute and potentially leading to some closures. The GMB union has stated that around 1,500 of its members employed by G4S will participate in the walkout.
The union claims that 90% of the guards receive only the minimum wage. GMB national officer Eamon O'Hearn commented: "If the Department for Work and Pensions and G4S want to end this dispute, make sure these guards are paid enough to live on."
"G4S has been handed millions by the Government, yet our members can barely afford to feed their families. The work they do is hard; they are attacked with alarming regularity just for doing their job."
"The least they expect is to be paid a proper wage."
A spokesperson for G4S responded: "Our dedicated security colleagues do a great job, sometimes in difficult circumstances. We urge the GMB to present our offer to our employees, which is both above minimum wage and inflation. We are keen to bring this dispute to an amicable conclusion."
"Our contingency plans, agreed in partnership with DWP, have proved highly effective in maintaining a full service, and we continue to adapt them to ensure the safety of DWP locations, employees and the service users."
The strike is scheduled to continue until Saturday. G4S has stated that its pay offer includes a 6.5% rise from April 2023, and an average 9.3% increase from December 2023 to April 2024.
A spokesperson stated: "This is our best and last offer put to the GMB in April 2024 and the union has refused to put it to a vote by its members. Once agreed all backdated pay would be paid to our employees."
"Since 2022, G4S has made 12 pay offers and the GMB has taken only two to a ballot."
The Department for Work and Pensions assured that benefit payments and telephone services will not be impacted by the strike, with Job Centres remaining open where safe.
"In any instances where a Job Centre might have to close, we will contact customers if appointments need to be rescheduled and will signpost urgent appointments to alternative locations," the department added.