Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) members have announced strike action affecting HMRC’s Benton Park View offices in Newcastle. The strikes, scheduled across eight days from 23 December 2024 to 14 February 2025, aim to reinstate three sacked union representatives.
The industrial action involves approximately 0.5% of HMRC’s workforce and takes place during the height of the self assessment filing season. The strikes will last three hours on specified mornings, disrupting HMRC phone helplines, particularly those assisting employers and Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) users.
HMRC advises avoiding these phone lines during strike hours, as delays are expected. Webchat and phone lines will remain operational, but customers may face longer wait times. To mitigate disruptions, HMRC plans to redeploy 100 staff from its surge and rapid response team (SRRT) to support affected services.
Picket lines will be held from 7 am to 10 am on the following days:
- 15 January: Ainsthorpe Garden entrance
- 21 January: Main gates
- 23 January: Ainsthorpe Garden entrance
- 29 January: Main gates
- 5 February: Main gates
- 6 February: Ainsthorpe Garden entrance
- 14 February: Main gates
HMRC has updated its employer enquiries page and will provide notices on its website and helpline recordings to inform users about potential delays.
The PCS claims the strike action directly responds to the dismissal of union reps over trade union activities.
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