The dispute stems from a long-running dissatisfaction among DWP staff, particularly those in the lowest-paid roles, who claim their wages no longer reflect the cost of living or the value of their work. The strike threat, led by the Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union, could disrupt vital services accessed by millions across the UK.
DWP employees in roles such as Jobcentre services, universal credit centres, personal independence payment offices, and pension processing are among those voting on whether to strike. According to the PCS, as many as 25,000 staff in the bottom three pay grades will soon earn only the national living wage, raising concern about recruitment and retention in key public services.
PCS Warns of Growing Pay Inequality and Staff Hardship
The PCS union has formally launched a strike ballot, calling on its 50,000 members within the DWP to vote on possible industrial action in response to stagnant wages. The union argues that pay levels for a significant segment of DWP staff are no longer viable and have sparked a recruitment crisis within the department.
PCS General Secretary Fran Heathcote stated: “Strike action is always the last resort. Our members want to work. They are proud of the job they do in DWP because they know it’s of great value to society, but this level of poverty pay is not sustainable.” According to Heathcote, many staff have seen their debts rise while workplace stress and mental health concerns have increased.
The PCS has also pointed to the imbalance between civil service wages and the nature of the work performed, highlighting that DWP staff often carry out specialised and emotionally demanding roles, especially in benefits processing and public-facing services.
According to the union, DWP’s current pay structure leaves workers paid “well below the market value for their skilled work.” The situation is especially stark for those who will, by April, fall under the national living wage threshold, eroding any financial buffer they might have had.
Government Responds but Uncertainty Remains for Claimants
In response, the DWP has acknowledged the concerns raised but defended its pay offer, insisting it was shaped by feedback from unions and aligned with wider government priorities. A DWP spokesperson said: “We are committed to ensuring competitive pay for all employees… The current pay award reflects our ongoing efforts to balance various priorities and meet our staffing needs.”
While the statement aimed to show willingness to engage, no fresh pay offer or resolution has yet been confirmed. As a result, delays in service delivery (from Jobcentre appointments to benefits claims processing) are likely if strike action goes ahead.
The disruption could affect not only claimants of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Universal Credit, but also those accessing pension support and child maintenance services. The implications could be especially significant for vulnerable claimants relying on timely support.
The outcome of the ballot is expected in the coming weeks, after which strike dates may be announced if members vote in favour. While talks may still avert a walkout, preparations are underway across DWP sites to manage potential disruption. For now, claimants are being advised to check with official DWP sources for updates on service availability.
