Warning to DWP Universal Credit and PIP claimants over 'disruption'

Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claimants are being alerted to potential disruptions at Jobcentre locations due to upcoming industrial action. The Department for Work and Pensions has been informed by the staff, who will carry out a minimum of 14 days of strikes in the next month over a pay dispute with their employer, G4S Group.

The outsourced employees, who are part of PCS the largest civil service union along with members of the GMB union, have intensified their ongoing conflict with G4S throughout the summer, leading to longer periods of strike action. PCS has announced that its members will initiate seven-day strikes beginning on September 9 and again on September 23.

PCS General Secretary Fran Heathcote has expressed the need for security behemoth G4S to acknowledge that its members will not settle for the current pay offer. "When will G4S get the message that our members will not sit back and accept a pay rise that is just 23p above the National Living Wage while G4S rakes in millions?" she said.

Heathcote highlighted the daily risks faced by members ensuring the safety of Jobcentre staff and visitors, arguing that G4S has the means to provide a fair wage. "Our members risk their safety every day to protect Jobcentre workers and visitors. G4S can afford to pay them a decent wage, so why don't they?" Meanwhile, GMB National Officer Eamon O'Hearn voiced concerns from security guards about how the early-release scheme might significantly heighten the dangers they encounter, reports Birmingham Live.

"With the increase in ex-cons being released early, we could see a perfect storm for chaos, abuse and disorder in Jobcentres," he commented. "Unless these workers are offered a fair pay deal, that