Whitehall workers win 8% pay rise

Workers in three major government departments have won a pay rise of up to 8 per cent. The workers – represented by the PCS union – have called off planned strike action as a result.

The cleaners, security guards and support staff employed by outsourcing firm ISS at the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero, Department for Business & Trade and Department for Science, Innovation & Technology had previously taken 34 days of strike action.

PCS members at the departments have now accepted a pay deal, backdated until March, that will see them receive rises between 5% and 8% – putting the staff above the Real Living Wage..

They have also won further gains on full pay sickness absence and other terms, closing the gap between them and directly-employed civil servants.

PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka said: “This is a victory for our members’ persistence against a stubborn employer.

“Our members showed great strength in going on strike for so long, and now they will receive the rewards they deserve by setting the industry standard of statutory minimum terms and conditions.

“PCS is committed to extending these wins across Whitehall, ending the scourge of outsourcing that has seen a race to the bottom to maximise profits at the expense of our hard-working members.”

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