Workers strike over proposed office closures

Civil servants in Devon and Cornwall have taken to picket lines as they strike over the planned closure of offices.

Staff from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) are taking part in a strike opposing new attendance policies, recruitment strategies and the closure of six offices across the UK, including those in Exeter and Truro.

Workers from the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) are taking part in strikes across nine days.

Staff in Newcastle are striking between 22 April and 2 May, while workers in Exeter, Birmingham, Sheffield and Warrington are out between 22 and 25 April.

PCS general secretary Fran Heathcote said: "It's high time the government and the ministry began to listen to their staff and put an end to these reckless, regressive decisions to close local offices while rigidly enforcing mandatory office attendance.

"They should start thinking strategically, considering the vital projects that local offices deliver for our communities, and enhancing flexibility to allow staff to choose how and where they perform their jobs in a manner that benefits both them and the communities we serve."

A spokesperson for the MHCLG said: "We have engaged with unions and staff about a number of proposals – including plans to expand five offices outside of London and close six offices over the next two years, as leases come to an end.

"The department will continue to have offices in every English region as well as Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and all staff affected will be able to continue in their roles."

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