With unemployment rising, DWP staff ‘cannot deliver essential services on the cheap’

The UK unemployment rate has climbed to 5.2%, the highest level in nearly five years. This sharp rise places even greater strain on Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) staff, who are already struggling with chronic understaffing, low pay and rising workloads.

Just last month unemployment stood at 3.4%, and once again the upward trend underlines the growing pressure on the social security system, and on the staff who deliver it.

PCS is currently balloting nearly 50,000 members in the DWP, including 21,000 staff in jobcentres over pay and working conditions.

PCS general secretary Fran Heathcote says:

"With unemployment continuing to rise, DWP staff continue to support hundreds of thousands more people through incredibly difficult circumstances. Yet the department still ignores the recruitment and retention crisis caused by low pay and excessive workloads.

"You cannot deliver an essential public service on the cheap. If the Government is serious about supporting people into work, they must start by properly valuing the staff who make that possible."

ENDS

Notes to Editors 

For more information: [email protected] / 07925433496

Ballot period: DWP member ballot opened on19 January and runs until 23 February.

Wellbeing survey:  A survey of PCS members working in the DWP found that many are struggling to cover basic household expenses and are facing significant debt. Around 20% of those surveyed rely on in‑work benefits, and nearly 14% reported turning to foodbanks for additional support.