Workers at Benefits Agency offices and JobCentres throughout Sussex went on strike today in a dispute over staff safety.
Staff at offices in Brighton, Hove, Eastbourne and other towns joined the national 48-hour walk-out.
Some offices were closed with pickets outside while others remained open and offered a basic service.
The Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) called for the strike in an attempt to get the Government to listen to members' concerns over safety.
Some workers want plastic screens in offices to protect staff from violent clients.
Martin Smith, PCS organiser for Brighton, said: "The strike has been very effective. The action will not stop people getting their benefits but will affect the other services."
The Department of Work and Pensions said it was a futile dispute and the new-look offices were the way forward.
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