HMRC staff extend strike beyond five months

Striking workers at an HM Revenue and Customs office have backed an extension to their walkout.

Industrial action which began at Newcastle's Benton Park View offices on 23 December has now been extended until 6 June, with the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) reporting 300 workers taking part.

The PCS said its members were supporting union reps who they claimed had been unfairly sacked.

An HMRC spokesperson said: "We have robust plans in place to ensure we continue delivering critical services for our customers during any industrial action."

PCS general secretary Fran Heathcote said: "Our members at Benton Park View continue to demonstrate their commitment to not only winning back the jobs of their reps, but defending the principle that no one should be targeted by their employer for fighting for their members' rights."

Those taking part in the action work in customer services on an employer helpline and one for the construction industry.

The HMRC spokesperson said that while phone lines and webchat would still operate during the strike, customers may experience longer waiting times.

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