A major strike ballot involving hundreds of Jobcentres across the UK has been delayed following a legal challenge from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
Ballot Pushed Back Amid Accusations of 'Tactical' Moves
The Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union has announced it is pushing back its industrial action ballot to 19 January 2026. The vote, which could lead to widespread walkouts, was originally scheduled for next week.
The dispute centres on pay, with the union serving formal notice of its intention to ballot members on 12 December. However, the DWP formally challenged the ballot notice on 31 December, citing alleged inaccuracies in the information provided.
The union had listed 766 offices for the ballot, but the department claims the details were not correct. In response, PCS leadership has accused the DWP of a "tactical move to delay the ballot", suggesting the department is "running scared" of the potential outcome.
Union Condemns Use of 'Anti-Trade Union' Legislation
PCS has strongly criticised the DWP's actions, claiming it is using "anti-trade union legislation" introduced by the Conservative government in 2016 to obstruct the democratic process. This legislation sets strict requirements for industrial action ballots.
“DWP bosses have unconvincingly told us that we provided information that senior managers cannot understand,” the union stated in a news update. It decided to temporarily withdraw the ballot notice to avoid becoming entangled in protracted litigation.
Angela Grant, PCS DWP group president, launched a scathing attack: “Rather than admit it is paying poverty wages, holding its hands up, and asking the Treasury for money for a pay increase, the DWP has moved to put obstacles in our way.”
Redundancy Threats Compound Tensions
The ballot delay comes amidst separate tensions over job losses. The union recently revealed that more than 80 jobs are at risk at the Lincoln City Hall site, which is facing closure.
Ian Fisher, the PCS branch chair for Lincoln, described the timing of the redundancy announcements as a "new low for the DWP". He accused the department of showing a complete lack of empathy throughout the process, particularly by announcing job cuts after industrial action was escalated.
Ms Grant vowed that the union would regroup: “We will use the information they have provided to update our systems, ensure we are even better prepared to smash this ballot, then take action that will thwart their planned transformation.”
A DWP spokesperson defended the department's position, stating: "We are committed to ensuring that all processes are conducted fairly and transparently, in compliance with legal requirements. Our current pay award reflects our commitment to providing competitive pay and creating a supportive working environment for all our employees.”
The stage is now set for a renewed confrontation in early 2026, with thousands of DWP workers' pay and conditions hanging in the balance.
