PCS Midlands Updates - October 2025
PCS members and reps have been busy building the union in the Midlands, including running stalls and campaigning on a variety of issues - from the DWP consultative ballot to renewing our political fund.
Building in HMRC
Reps and members at HMRC West Mercia have been organising monthly stalls to raise PCS's profile, as well as leafleting outside the Birmingham office.
It has been a great success in making us more visible in the building. Our membership has increased, and members and non-members have stopped for a chat on a number of issues, including the new HMRC chief executive JP Marks.
We’ve provided information on the union, upcoming events and issues, and met DWP members and reps based in the same building. All supported brilliantly by the PCS staff, who also brought us our eye-catching new stands.
DWP Consultative Ballot
Members in DWP should by now have received an email with details of our consultative ballot over pay. If you haven’t already, please check your inbox and take part.
The current pay offer falls well below inflation and is nowhere near good enough for the vital work you do. This ballot is your chance to have your say.
It’s important to be clear, this is not a vote to take strike action. It is a consultative ballot, asking whether you would be willing to take industrial action if needed in the future.
Your voice matters. Make sure you’ve opened the email, cast your vote, and encouraged colleagues to do the same.
Why Your Vote in the Political Fund Ballot Matters
PCS members will soon be asked to vote in the ballot on whether to retain our union’s political fund. This is an important moment for us as a union, and it’s vital that every member uses their vote.
The political fund is not about supporting any political party, PCS does not affiliate to or fund any political party. What the fund does is allow us, legally, to campaign on the big political issues that affect your job, your pay, your pension, and the public services we all deliver. Without it, our ability to stand up for members on these issues would be severely restricted.
Retaining the fund doesn’t cost members any extra; your subs remain exactly the same. But it does give us the tools we need to hold governments and employers to account, challenge damaging policies, and fighting for fairness at work and in wider society.
This is about keeping our union strong and giving us a voice where it matters. When the ballot opens, please make sure you use your vote, and vote to retain the PCS political fund.