Most Jobcentre workers do not feel safe going into offices after they fully reopened last week, a union has said as it warned of industrial action over the issue.
The Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union said a survey of more than 1,000 of its members found around three in five feel unsafe, while another one in five are unsure about their safety because of continuing fears about the virus.
The union said most in-person interviews, carried out on Universal Credit and other benefit claims, should be done remotely.
PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka said: “These results reflect the anger and frustration our members feel every day. Thousands of Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) staff have been providing support to claimants safely from home throughout the pandemic.
“The only logical reason they would insist on fully reopening is because management’s obsession with sanctioning vulnerable claimants.
“These stats show how staff feel and should send a strong signal to ministers that they need to urgently meet with the union to avoid potential industrial action.”
A DWP spokesman said: “Throughout this pandemic Jobcentres have remained open to ensure we can continue to provide vital support to the most vulnerable. Our return to full opening hours will enable us to provide even more help and support to those who need us.
“We take the health and safety of colleagues extremely seriously and are absolutely committed to ensuring all our sites remain Covid-secure in line with Public Health England and Government guidance to keep colleagues and customers safe.”
Any industrial action could delay Universal Credit applications and payments as well as other benefits and support.
