MORE than 1000 job centre security guards are set to walk out in a dispute over pay, a union has said.
GMB has warned that staff employed by security firm G4S and who work at the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will walk out across the UK.
The dispute between union representatives and G4S is over pay as GMB says the current offer is below-inflation meaning 70 percent of security guards are now only paid the minimum wage.
Eamon O’Hearn, GMB’s national officer, has said due to the tough conditions security workers face daily it is only fair they get paid a living wage.
READ MORE: Union threatens strike preparations next week over council pay dispute
He said: “These security guards work hard in a difficult, demanding, and often dangerous job. They deserve a proper, living wage for what they do.
“G4S seem unwilling to provide that, so workers are taking matters into their own hands.”
The proposed days that security guards have said they will walk out on are May 7, 8, 13, 20, 28, and 29.
According to DWP's figures, there are more than 2000 full-time guards at job centres across the UK with over 200 in Scotland.
A spokesperson for G4S said: "We are continuing to engage with our employees and their union representatives and will continue to try to reach an amicable agreement without the need for industrial action.
“In the event of industrial action, we have contingency plans in place in order to minimise disruption to our customer.”
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