JOBCENTRE staff in Northwich were amongst those taking part in the biggest strike in a decade today, Wednesday, with up to half a million workers walking out in disputes over pay, jobs and conditions.

Members of seven trade unions took part in industrial action, affecting schools, universities, trains, buses and civil servants.

Of these, more than 100,000 members of the Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union decided to strike in a dispute with the Government over pay, pensions and plans to cut jobs.

Union members at the Jobcentre in London Road, Northwich, said they needed a pay rise that matches inflation.

James Gerrard, one of those striking, said: “For the last 10-12 years, we have not had a pay rise that matches inflation.

“Inflation is running at about 10 per cent, but we’ve only been offered a two per cent pay rise.

“If our pay had kept up with inflation, we’d be about £3,000 better off.”

Another staff member striking added: “We’re part of the people who kept the country running through Covid – we paid people’s benefits and made sure the people who needed the support got their money.

“We’ve got people who work here with 30-plus years of experience who are only getting a pay rise because of the increase in minimum wage.”

A statement from the Public and Commercial Services Union, printed on leaflets given out to passers-by, reads: “Throughout the Covid crisis, ministers praised our members for delivering essential public services in extremely difficult circumstances.

“But they have not had a pay rise to match inflation for over a decade, and when the Government said they could only have a two per cent pay rise when inflation is more than 10 per cent, tens of thousands of them decided to vote for industrial action.

“Our members did not take the decision to strike lightly but felt it was the only way they could get the Government to listen to them when so many of them are struggling to heat their homes and feed their families.”

In response to the strike, a spokesperson for the Department for Work and Pensions – which covers Jobcentre staff – reassured people that benefits are paid automatically and people who rely on that support will continue to receive it.

They added: “We will keep Jobcentres open where there are sufficient numbers to make it safe to do so, offering a limited service to vulnerable customers.

“Where this is not possible, we will display a contact number or alternative office details in the window.

“We will contact customers if appointments need to be rescheduled.”