Benefits boss claims pay dispute is having little impact

The
ongoing the dispute over 2003’s pay award and a new performance-related bonus
scheme at employment and benefits agency Jobcentre Plus has not unduly affected
the service, according to chief executive David Anderson.

Public
and Commercial Services union members at the Department for Work and Pensions,
including Jobcentre Plus, went on strike earlier this year over the issue, with
more walkouts expected at the end of the month.

However,
speaking to Personnel Today this week, Anderson said: “It is important to note
that only 30 per cent of our staff are actually going on strike. The dispute
has not undermined the overall running of the service and most of our staff
recognise that the changes are positive.”

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Anderson
admitted that some customers have been upset when benefits processing has
fallen behind in certain areas, but he said Jobcentre Plus is hitting its
overall targets for customer service.

By Daniel Thomas