Over 6,000 members of the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) across 32 UK call centres serving Jobcentre Plus are striking today over what the union describes as “oppressive working conditions and unrealistic targets”.

PCS members first took similar action last year “against draconian conditions that prevent them from providing the kind of service callers require and deserve”, according to a statement on the union’s website.

The statement also notes that problems are being exacerbated by a lack of staff, but a spokesperson for the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), which operates the job centres, says it is “disappointed that some staff are taking industrial action which we think is unnecessary”.

The spokesperson adds: “We have gone to great lengths to resolve issues with unions. Job centres and benefit payments will be unaffected, and claimants will be able to access some information online, so any impact will be limited."

PCS general-secretary Mark Serwotka says: “With unemployment remaining high and our economy in the grip of recession, it is shameful that job centre bosses are still refusing to let their staff provide the kind of help and advice that people need.”

The union’s press office was unavailable to make further comment when contacted by recruiter.co.uk.