Jobcentre staff go on strike in protest at 'disgraceful' branch closure in one of the most deprived areas of Sheffield

Jobcentre workers are launching a two-week strike in a protest against plans to close their office.

Members of the Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union in Sheffield have already taken industrial action, saying the closure of the Eastern Avenue office will remove a vital public service in one of the city’s most deprived areas.

The union is campaigning against plans to close a number of jobcentres across the country.

PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka said: “We will continue to fight to save jobcentres that provide a lifeline for unemployed, sick and disabled people. It is utterly disgraceful that this Tory Government is abandoning our communities.”

A demonstration was held outside Whitley Bay jobcentre on Saturday ahead of a strike there next Thursday and Friday, while union members at Hoylake jobcentre in Merseyside will strike later this month.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn is due to join the union’s national president Janice Godrich and Labour MP Hugh Gaffney at a demonstration in Coatbridge on 25 August.

A Department for Work and Pensions spokesman said: "Eastern Avenue Jobcentre Plus will remain open and operate as usual. Meeting customers and making payments remain our top priorities."

Press Association