Workers at government department vote to strike over Covid safety

‘Many civil servants are working well from home’ says union chief

More than 90 contract staff have voted for industrial action (AFP via Getty Images)

Contract staff at a government department, including cleaners and security staff, have voted to take industrial action over coronavirus safety concerns.

Workers are concerned about the numbers of people allowed into the offices in Westminster said The Public and Commercial Services union.

The union says that over 90 contract staff who work at the Business Department in London have voted in favour of strike action.

Workers are apparently worried about being able to shield safely from the virus. London is currently in Tier 2 and government guidance suggests that “everyone who can work from home should do so.”

The Public and Commercial Services union’s general secretary, Mark Serwotka said: "Many civil servants are working well from home and there should be no need for our support staff to continue to put themselves in harm's way."

He added:  "We hope this huge mandate for action will make management take heed of our members' serious concerns.”