Job centre security guards in Bolton have walked out over poor pay again in the latest wave of strike action. Jobcentre Plus guards employed by security company G4S are picketing up and down the country this week. Union leaders say that they are not paid enough to live on, with 90 per cent of them reportedly being on minimum wage.
1500 GMB Union guards across the country are walking out across this week, including at the Jobcentre Plus branch on Black Horse Street in the town centre. Paul Barren, who works at the Bolton branch, highlighted the minimum wage as one of the main reasons they were striking. Kamran Saba, the branch's union rep, added: "As security guards, we incur costs, we have to renew our badges ourselves every three years, which costs £300, and we have to take days off work unpaid to do it.
"And we have to do our own training. "You get spat at, you get pushed, I am not working minimum wage for that." Paul added: "I am a team leader but I get paid the same wage as everyone else.
" Read more: NHS leader warns of widespread disruption as doctors continue strike Read more: New scheme to help people on Universal Credit into childcare roles launches Read more: More than 14,000 jobs hiring with miles of Bolton as DWP pledges 'extra help' Danny Patel said: "As soon as I get paid, once I pay my bills I am left with absolutely nothing." Guards at the picket also raised issues with agency workers, such as the ones currently being used to deputise during the strike, are pa.