Public and Commercial Services (PCS) Union members at The Pensions Regulator (TPR) have returned to the picket lines, after talks to resolve the ongoing pay dispute broke down earlier this week.

Staff previously raised concerns after being offered only a 3 per cent increase in pay, despite the government making an improved pay offer to all civil service and related areas of a £1,500 lump-sum payment and an increase in the pay remit from 2 per cent to 4.5 per cent.

Whilst PCS and TPR had entered into talks through the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS), the union has confirmed that these talks broke down, prompting a further four weeks of strike action.

The strike action will run today (12 October), 16 and 17 October, and for two weeks from 23 October.

“Members working for TPR are furious that the bonus pot rewards the highest paid so much more than the lowest paid," the union stated.

"In TPR if you are already very well paid you have a much greater chance of getting a bonus, and if you do, your bonus will be much bigger than your lower-paid colleagues.

“Despite the best efforts of the negotiating team PCS was unable to persuade an intransigent TPR to find any more money or reallocate any of their bonus pot help to resolve the dispute. “

The union confirmed that members are also set to post their ballot papers to vote in a fresh ballot, running unti 1 November, required to renew their strike mandate.

Commenting in response, a TPR spokesperson stated: “We have put forward a fair pay deal to our staff, prioritising pay for low earners and high achievers.

“This would guarantee our lowest paid workers a pay rise of 6.25 per cent. We have negotiated in good faith with the union and have now exhausted our agreed collective bargaining process.”

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