The Land Registry and Registers of Scotland are among 100,000 workers set to mount a one-day strike next month after talks between their union and the government broke down today (12 January).
Talks between the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) and Cabinet Office minister Jeremy Quin ended without agreement, leading to the union’s national executive to call for action on 1 February.
The action threatens to disrupt the progress of property transactions, which pass through the two departments
PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka says: “This meeting was a total farce. Despite being well-trailed by the government as a chance to resolve the crisis, it was nothing of the sort because the minister had nothing to offer.”
The union is seeking a 10% pay rise for its members as well as other demands, such as assurances on job security and “no cuts to redundancy terms.”
The strike will affect PCS workers across 124 government departments in such agencies as the Border Force, the Department for Work and Pensions and the Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agency.
The Land Registry says: “HM Land Registry notes the decision of the PCS national executive committee to call for industrial action.
“The PCS is required to formally write to employers to give them 14 days’ notice of strike action – to date, we have not yet received this.
“We have successfully mitigated the impact of industrial action on our services in the past and have robust contingency plans in place.
“We will prioritise time-critical services required for property transactions to continue, including pre-completion searches (the majority of which are automated) and urgent applications that have been expedited.
“We will closely monitor any impacts and respond as necessary to deliver the essential services required to support the property market.”
The strike will be the first major public-facing challenge for chairman Nilesh (Neil) Sachdev, who was appointed to the role in September.
A Leeds Building Society spokesperson says: “There are many players in the house buying process – all of whom play an important role in helping people move house or get onto the housing ladder.
“The Land Registry is one of these players, so the recent announcement that they will start industrial action in February will be of great interest to many people – particularly conveyancers who deal with them on a daily basis.
“We will follow progress closely, but it’s important to note that the Land Registry has confirmed that they expect there to be minimal disruption to customers.”
The PCS adds its action will be coordinated with other unions taking action, as well as the launch by the TUC of a campaign over pay and jobs, which will include events in several UK cities.
