World Morning Star
Thousands of DWP workers tell PCS union of pressure of chronic understaffing
THOUSANDS of staff at multiple Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) agencies have told PCS union they are buckling under the pressure of chronic understaffing. Employees dealing with universal credi
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Employees dealing with universal credit at jobcentres, child maintenance and disability services say they are struggling to cope with backlogs in processing claims or simple appointments.
The majority of staff reporting understaffing and stress at work is well over 75 per cent in many of these areas, the union’s survey found.
More than 50 per cent of respondents also say they are having to work unpaid overtime.
One member providing universal credit at a jobcentre said: “I work several hours of unpaid overtime daily due to not having enough time to complete all the work during the day.”
PCS said its study confirms the severe impact understaffing across the department is having on their members, and the impact on the vital services they deliver.
The union presented a dossier, containing the responses of more than 5,000 members, to DWP headquarters outside Caxton House in Tothill Street, London, at 1pm today.
PCS DWP group president Angela Grant said: “Members have told us how excessive workloads, mounting backlogs and relentless pressure are leading to delays, rushed support and poorer services for the public, while taking an unacceptable toll on their own mental health and wellbeing.
“Their message is clear — the department is not doing enough to tackle these widespread and deep-rooted problems.”
She added that the union called for an urgent meeting with DWP to resolve the staffing crisis and restore the quality of service that the public has a right to expect.