Security staff at York job centre speak out about attacks
Members of the GMB Union are on strike this week in a row over pay and conditions
Security staff working at a job centre in York have been telling us about being shouted out and physically attacked while on duty.
Guards working for G4S have been speaking out as they head back on strike in a row over pay and conditions.
"I feel like crying"
Anthony Jackson's been on the picket line on Monkgate and tells us about the kinds of things they're facing: "People shouting at us, it's like mental abuse half the time, there are a lot of vulnerable people out there, at the end of the day we are just trying to do our best but we should be getting a decent wage to be put in this vulnerable position in the first place."
"At times it can be miserable because of the abuse we get...we get sworn at, spit out and everybody whingeing at us every day and we cant' do a thing about it, sometimes I go home at the end of the day and I feel like crying."
Eamon O'Hearn, GMB national officer, said: "The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and G4S could end this dispute tomorrow.
"Instead, they've made a below-inflation pay offer that would keep these security guards trapped in poverty.
"Dozens of job centres are being forced to close, customers are struggling to get the service they need and GMB members are struggling to live.
"G4S and DWP just don't seem to care."
PCS general secretary Fran Heathcote said: "It is a scandal how G4S makes millions while exploiting workers like our security guard members in the DWP.
"It is an even bigger scandal that these workers deliver public services on private contracts, enriching the company with taxpayer money.
"The incoming government will be welcomed by a wave of strikes by our members on G4S contracts in the DWP.
"They have a choice: to start their administration by ending the dispute and moving to scrap outsourcing or to spend their first days dealing with closed jobcentres up and down the country."
A G4S spokesperson said: "Our dedicated security colleagues do a great job, sometimes in difficult circumstances.
"We urge the GMB to present our offer to our employees, which is both above minimum wage and inflation.
"We are keen to bring this dispute to an amicable conclusion.
"The safety of our employees and the people and buildings they protect is our priority.
"In the event of further industrial action we will continue to work with the DWP on what have been highly effective contingency plans."