Hundreds of workers at JobCentres and Benefits Agency offices have gone on strike after failing to reach agreement in a row over safety.
Jobseeking and benefit services in Brighton and Hove will be severely disrupted today and tomorrow as staff join a national protest against plans to remove safety screens protecting them from attack.
Offices across the city will be closed during the two-day strike, although a skeleton service will operate at the JobCentre in West Street to deal with enquiries and urgent business.
Up to 250 union members were expected to join picket lines outside the JobCentre in West Street, Brighton, and Benefits Agency office in Edward Street, Brighton.
They are protesting at plans to remove safety screens in the new JobCentre Plus offices.
JobCentre Plus will be introduced from April, merging JobCentre and Benefits Agency services across the country.
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