The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is facing the prospect of significant industrial action after its pay offer was branded 'unacceptable' by the Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union.
Ballot for Industrial Action Announced
In a major escalation of the ongoing pay dispute, the PCS union has confirmed it will hold a statutory ballot of its DWP members in January and February. This decisive step comes after the union dismissed the department's latest pay proposal, which it argues fails to tackle the 'serious issue of chronic low pay' faced by staff.
Details of the Pay Dispute
The core of the conflict lies in the DWP's application of the government's pay remit for 2025-26. The union states that the department used the 3.25%-plus-0.5% remit, but directed the additional 0.5% flexibility to address pay anomalies for higher-grade staff, rather than helping the lowest paid. PCS General Secretary Fran Heathcote emphasised that 'DWP has some of the lowest-paid members in the civil service, paid well below the market value for their skilled work.'
Strong Mandate for Strike Action
The move towards a formal ballot follows an initial consultative vote where members expressed overwhelming support for industrial action. The union reported that 80.5% of members who voted were in favour of taking action, based on a turnout of 52.3%. PCS has accused the DWP of a 'complete refusal to submit a pay flexibility case' to the Treasury to secure more funding for staff wages, leaving the union with no option but to proceed with a ballot.
Ms. Heathcote concluded, stating that the functioning of the welfare state relies on the goodwill of its staff, who are now determined to fight for fair pay in recognition of the vital services they provide to society's most vulnerable.
