Rising unemployment highlights case for DWP pay demands

Unemployment has risen again – to 1.83 million people – the highest number for ten years.

In the last couple of years, the number of vacancies in the UK economy has fallen by 25%.

With more people than ever in need of support to find work, it would make sense for a government pledging to get more people than ever into employment, to put extra resources into the DWP and Jobcentre network.

Instead, PCS members in the DWP will be balloting for strike action from next month in a dispute over the low pay in the department, which is hampering recruitment and retention of DWP workers.

Last year, the National Audit Office reported that UK jobcentres had a shortage of at least 2,000 work coaches.

One of our reps in the jobcentre network recently reported: "All appointments are 10 minutes, and once you've got through the security checks there is not much time. These short appointments mean you're just being a benefits policeman."

PCS general secretary Fran Heathcote said: “Our members want to provide a world class service to the public but are being hampered by low pay and rising caseloads.

“It is time for DWP ministers to invest in our social security system and the overworked and underpaid public servants – so that these skilled professionals can help people to find work again and tackle rising unemployment.

“We urge the DWP to get around the negotiating table and act to end low pay and the travesty that more than 1 in 10 DWP staff have to claim Universal Credit to top-up low pay.”