Frustrated DWP Universal Credit Staff Going on Strike

STAFF ON STRIKE - 200 Universal Credit call handers, members of the Public Commercial Services union (PCS) will stage a two-day strike next week after "running out of patience" with what they say are cuts and overwork.

More than 200 workers are set to stage a walkout at a contact centre in Stockport, Greater Manchester, next Tuesday and Wednesday after approving the action in a strike ballot.

PCS members voted 91.9% in favour of strike action and 95% in favour of action short of strike on a 71.4% turnout.

Staffing at the Universal Credit Service Centre, Millennium House in Stockport has been in decline since its introduction in 2016/17. Despite existing staff being switched to UC to support hard-pressed members and further staff from the remaining legacy command incoming in September, PCS members are clear this is not going to tackle the problem of increasing workloads and the demands placed upon staff.

It comes after two walkouts at centres in Wolverhampton and Walsall earlier this year over similar issues.

Image: PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka

PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka said: "The decision to take strike action has not been taken lightly by our members in Universal Credit. They do their best to help claimants get the support they need.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) said it is confident that staffing levels are sufficient.

A DWP spokesman said: "We are disappointed that the PCS in Stockport has taken this course of action. As with previous strikes, our contingency plans will ensure our service is maintained throughout.

"We greatly value the work that our colleagues do and we are committed to supporting them in their roles, including by monitoring staff levels and making sure their caseloads are manageable."

The DWP said it will monitor staffing and is holding regular meetings with the union locally to attempt to resolve the issues.

PCS demands the DWP:

• Recruits 100 new staff members
• Limits calls to 30 a week for case managers
• Increases the one minute time allowed for after-call work
• Allocates time for case work to be completed
• Ends the attack on flexi
• Ends the unnecessary restrictions on breaks and lunches
• Ends the victimisation of a local PCS representative and a PCS member and the dropping of cases against them.

How you can help

Show your support by attending the picket line at Millennium House in Stockport from 7.30am on both Tuesday (27) and Wednesday (28) August or by donating to the PCS Stockport and Tame Valley Branch Hardship Fund: Sort code 60-83-01, account number 20260684.  

Send messages of support to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and all will be forwarded on.  

ABC Note: Two million people are now on Universal Credit. Next Summer the rest of benefits claimants will be moved onto the controversial new benefit.

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