MHCLG civil servants start industrial action over return to office mandate

The dispute, which began earlier this year, centres on the closure of six offices, the imposition of office attendance policies, and the withdrawal of “location-neutral” recruitment, said the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS).

The Union criticised the government for a “disregard for proper consultation and fair process”, after staff in Newcastle were removed from their office in May, even though the lease does not expire until the end of June.

Now, PCS members in Angela Rayner’s department have begun action short of a strike, to include working to contract, “removing goodwill and non-compliance with non-contractual policies and processes”.

The PCS said: “MHCLG has actively attempted to undermine union-led action, circulating misleading information to staff and challenging lawful notices of industrial action on spurious grounds.

“These anti-union tactics, aimed at dampening workers’ rights and morale, are in contrast to the department’s public role as the lead sponsor of the Employment Rights Bill, legislation supposedly committed to upholding workplace justice and the right to organise.”

A Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government spokesperson said: “We have engaged with unions and staff about a number of proposals – including plans to expand four offices outside of London and close six offices over the next two years, as leases come to an end.

“The department will continue to have offices in every English region as well as Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and all staff affected will be able to continue in their roles.”

Lottie Winson