Civil Service job cuts: Union responds

NATIONAL STRIKE ‘VERY MUCH ON THE TABLE’

PCS has warned of the consequences for everyone who relies on public services of Boris Johnson’s plans to cut up to 91,000 civil service jobs to tackle the cost-of-living crisis.

It is understood the prime minister wants to see civil service staffing levels cut to 2016 levels.

PCS General Secretary Mark Serwotka condemned the plans and said: “Cuts have consequences.

Not just on those whose jobs are being sacrificed to throw red meat to the dwindling number of Conservative voters, but on everyone who relies on the services our members provide. 

“The government complains about longer delays for passports and driving licences at the same time as sacking the people who are working so hard to clear the backlog. 

“Let’s be clear, this is not about efficiency. This is about the prime minister trying to create a smokescreen to detract from his utter shambles of a government. 

“He has chosen to cause our cost-of-living crisis and is desperate to point the blame somewhere – and he has chosen to point the finger at hard working PCS members who kept the country running throughout the pandemic. 

“Our members will not be the scapegoats for a failing government. We have our conference in 10 days’ time: taking national strike action is very much on the table.”