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Civil servants strike over pay and pensions | |
(about 20 hours later) | |
Civil servants from government departments and driving test centres have taken part in a strike over pay, jobs and terms and conditions. | |
The Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union said the half-day strike across caused "massive disruption". | |
The union said the dispute is to be escalated, with a week of strikes at the Home Office and UK Border Agency. | |
Cabinet Office minister Francis Maude said the government's contingency plans had "worked well". | |
The walkout is part of a three-month campaign of industrial action and started with a strike on the day of the Budget. | |
'Solidly supported' | |
PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka told a rally outside the Cabinet Office in Westminster that a week of strikes will be launched at the Home Office and UK Border Agency from 15 April, with different groups of workers taking action at different times. | |
The Home Office said it had not yet received any official notification of the proposed additional action. | |
Mr Serwotka said: "These walkouts have been very solidly supported and show the depth of anger hard-working public servants feel at having their living standards cut. | |
"We warned the Home Office and UKBA that their belligerent approach would only serve to escalate the dispute and we are now planning a longer series of strikes that will cause even more disruption. | |
"These walkouts are part of an ongoing campaign of industrial action and protests to put pressure on a government that is refusing to even talk to us." | |
'Contingency plans' | |
Staff at the Home Office and UK Border Agency did not join the stoppage following a legal challenge by the government. | |
Thousands of PCS members at HM Revenue and Customs will go on strike on Monday as part of the rolling programme of action. | |
Mr Maude thanked the "overwhelming majority of committed public sector workers" who he said had "remained at work today to deliver essential services. We are grateful for their dedication". | |
He added: "Our figures show that only 40,793 civil servants heeded PCS' call to strike this afternoon - which represents less than 10% of the civil service. | |
"Our rigorous contingency plans have worked well. Throughout the day they have limited the impact of the strike significantly and as a result the majority of key public services have remained open. | |
"Talk of further strike action is disappointing - now is the time for us all to work together to ensure we can deliver exceptional public services, support growth and build the economy." |