Workers' walkout over redundancy pay plan

PUBLIC and Commercial Service Union reps have reported a good strike turn out from members in Scunthorpe.

The union has about 300 members working in North Lincolnshire including at the town's JobCentre, court and tax office, and representatives said turn out for the action was good.

The PCS union is striking over proposed changes to redundancy pay at a time when the Government is talking about making cuts.

Glenn Siddall-Butcher represents court staff at Scunthorpe Magistrates' Court, as well as members in Grimsby and Hull, and he said about 60 or 70 per cent of people took part.

He said: "Some of my colleagues in Scunthorpe have been on strike.

"I think across the region there has been a substantial turn out.

"What management are doing is trying to protect their own futures.

"Staff are expecting the worst after the General Election and if they are going to be sat on the pavement, it is not right that their benefits are taken away from them."

Cabinet Office Minister Tessa Jowell played down the effect of the strike nationally.

She said: "Across the country services to the public are largely unaffected – all job centres and benefits offices are open, border entry points are working normally and court services are being maintained."

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