Coronavirus fears spark industrial action threat
A civil service union is warning of industrial action because its members say they do not feel safe at work because of coronavirus.
The Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union says a survey of more than 1,000 of its members in job centres found around three in five feel say they fell unsafe, while one in five are unsure about their safety because of fears about the virus.
The union said most inperson interviews, carried out on Universal Credit and other benefit claims, should be done remotely.
PCSgeneralsecretaryMark Serwotka said: "These results reflect the anger and frustration our members feel every day.ThousandsofDepartment for Work and Pensions (DWP) staff have been providing support to claimants safely from home throughout the pandemic.
"The only logical reason they would insist on fully reopening is because management's obsession with sanctioning vulnerable claimants.”
He added: "These stats show how staff feel and should send a strong signal to ministers that they need to urgently meet with the union to avoid potential industrial action."
A DWP spokesman said: "Throughout this pandemic Jobcentres have remained open to ensure we can continue to provide vital support to the most vulnerable. Our return to full opening hours will enableustoprovideevenmore help and support to those who need us.
"We take the health and safety of colleagues extremely seriously and are absolutely committed to ensuring all our sites remain Covid-secure in line with Public Health England and Government guidance to keep colleagues and customers safe."