Public and Commercial Services Union strikes cause disruption

The
first day of strikes called by the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS)
has caused disruption to courts, prisons, the immigration service and the work
of the Treasury.

Crown
and county courts were affected and some immigration centres were closed
completely, while others operated a reduced service. The Prison Service saw
disruption to the transfer and processing of prisoners as support staff stopped
work.

The
two-day strike action follows the imposition of a 2.8 per cent cost of living
increase for the Department for Constitutional Affairs, the imposition of a 1.3
per cent cost of living increase for the Home Office, and the rejection of a 1
per cent pay offer after pay progression in the Prison Service.

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Mark
Serwotka, PCS general secretary, said: "It shouldn’t have to come this,
and we remain ready and waiting to engage with departmental managers to come to
a negotiated settlement."

By Ross Wigham