Hundreds of security staff based in the Houses of Parliament have gone on strike in a dispute over pay and conditions.
Public and Commercial Services (PCS) members who work at the Palace of Westminster have gone on strike today for 24 hours and will do so again on September 10.
They will also be undertaking action short of a strike, including an overtime ban and a work-to-rule, until September 12.
The union says its employer’s removal of six days' annual leave from members’ contracts, pay stagnation and a widening ethnicity pay gap, has made them “particularly angry”.
A UK Parliament spokesperson said the decision to proceed with the strike was a “disappointing outcome” following months of engagement to resolve concerns.
PCS general secretary Fran Heathcote said: “To fight for fair pay and conditions, our dedicated members at the Palace of Westminster will take industrial action this week just as parliament returns from recess.
“Day and night, they work incredibly hard to ensure the safety of MPs, Lords, staff and visitors in the UK's national parliament building.
"They deserve to be treated fairly and to have their many concerns addressed by the employer."
During the strike, those with a Parliamentary pass will not be allowed to bring guests onto the estate.
A UK Parliament spokesperson said: "Parliamentary security staff are valued colleagues.
"We remain committed to working closely with staff and unions to address the issues raised and to reach a resolution.
"As always, the safety and security of all members of the Parliamentary community, as well as those that visit Parliament, remains our absolute priority.
"Working closely with the Met Police, we have implemented robust contingency plans which will ensure both the safety of the estate as usual and no disruption to parliamentary business."
