This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/int/news/-/news/business-13110056

The article has changed 8 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 4 Version 5
Jobcentre staff on strike for 24 hours Jobcentre staff on strike for 24 hours
(about 2 hours later)
Thousands of Jobcentre staff are on strike in a row over working conditions and management targets.Thousands of Jobcentre staff are on strike in a row over working conditions and management targets.
Members of the Public and Commercial Services union (PCS) in 37 call centres are taking part in a 24-hour walk-out, accusing management of "little willingness" to resolve their dispute.Members of the Public and Commercial Services union (PCS) in 37 call centres are taking part in a 24-hour walk-out, accusing management of "little willingness" to resolve their dispute.
High Street Jobcentres are not directly affected by the action.High Street Jobcentres are not directly affected by the action.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has said it is disappointed at the decision to take industrial action.The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has said it is disappointed at the decision to take industrial action.
The PCS union said that there were picket lines more than 30 of the call centres.The PCS union said that there were picket lines more than 30 of the call centres.
However, according to a DWP spokesman early indications were that some 60% of staff had turned up to work.
"We have contingency plans in place," she added, claiming that calls were being rerouted and answered.
The telephone services affected are benefit claims, job searches and crisis loans.
The walk-out follows a two-day strike by union members at seven centres in January.The walk-out follows a two-day strike by union members at seven centres in January.
Widening disputeWidening dispute
The DWP announced a revamp of its telephone and benefit processing service in October 2009.The DWP announced a revamp of its telephone and benefit processing service in October 2009.
The January action started after a decision to convert seven benefit processing offices into "contact centres", with staff re-allocated to taking calls from the public.The January action started after a decision to convert seven benefit processing offices into "contact centres", with staff re-allocated to taking calls from the public.
Since then the dispute has broadened to include staff at all 37 contact centres.Since then the dispute has broadened to include staff at all 37 contact centres.
In a ballot in March of the union's 7,000 members who work in call centres, 70% of those who took part voted for strike action. The vote had a turnout of 43%.In a ballot in March of the union's 7,000 members who work in call centres, 70% of those who took part voted for strike action. The vote had a turnout of 43%.
Although talks continued, they broke down earlier this month.Although talks continued, they broke down earlier this month.
The PCS says it wants to end a target-driven culture, particularly by changing the way "unrealistic" average call times are used.The PCS says it wants to end a target-driven culture, particularly by changing the way "unrealistic" average call times are used.
"The truth is, staff are monitored every minute of the day," said PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka."The truth is, staff are monitored every minute of the day," said PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka.
"The computer dictates start and finish times and tells them when to go for a break, with staff hauled up if they are 40 seconds late back or go over the time allowed for a call. Toilet breaks are monitored and constantly questioned.""The computer dictates start and finish times and tells them when to go for a break, with staff hauled up if they are 40 seconds late back or go over the time allowed for a call. Toilet breaks are monitored and constantly questioned."
The DWP said its staff "have good terms of employment including generous holidays, and have a good amount of flexibility".The DWP said its staff "have good terms of employment including generous holidays, and have a good amount of flexibility".
The Department used performance measures "to ensure that performance and productivity are high", it said.The Department used performance measures "to ensure that performance and productivity are high", it said.
Do you work at a Jobcentre? Are you participating in the strike? Send us your comments using the form below:Do you work at a Jobcentre? Are you participating in the strike? Send us your comments using the form below: