FCDO staff to ballot over job cuts risking crisis response

FCDO has refused to pause its restructure programme or provide the assurances needed to resolve the dispute, despite the rapidly deteriorating international situation therefore the union has been left with no alternative.

The current conflict in the Middle East, involving sustained bombing across multiple countries in the region, has created what the government has described as the largest consular challenge since the coronavirus pandemic in 2020. 

More than 100,000 British nationals, out of an estimated 300,000 in Gulf countries have registered their presence in the region and PCS has serious concerns that proposed staffing reductions will leave the department without sufficient experienced personnel to respond effectively. 

At the same time, FCDO has stated its intention to cut up to 25% of roles, approximately 2,000 staff, while refusing to provide a no compulsory redundancy guarantee.

The union’s formal trade dispute centres on:

• The threat of up to 2,000 job cuts
• FCDO’s failure to meaningfully consult PCS on the restructure
• The absence of a clear business case or adequate rationale for job cuts
• Failure to provide a Workforce Plan in line with the 2016 Civil Service Job Protocol
• Failure to produce a legally compliant Equality Impact Assessment
• Refusal to rule out compulsory redundancies

The International Development Committee has previously warned that the FCDO restructure should be paused, citing concerns about the loss of expertise. Recent events have only reinforced those warnings.

PCS will continue to engage in the consultation process while preparing for industrial action. 

PCS General Secretary Fran Heathcote said:

“This unprecedented crisis unfolding across the Middle East which sees more than 100,000 British nationals stuck in conflict areas, is exactly why a properly staffed FCDO is vital.

“At present there are not enough staff at the right grades to organise a safe response on the scale required. That should concern everyone. Is this really how the government intends to handle major international emergencies - by cutting jobs and stripping out experience?

“These are the moments when our members expertise matter most. Staff need security, not redundancy notices. If the government is serious about protecting people, we must secure the workforce needed to do it.”

END

Notes to Editors 

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Ballot timeframe: Opens on 16 March 2026 and closes at 12 noon on 20 April 2026.