WIREDGOV

PCS reacted with anger recently as the Identity and Passport Service (IPS) gave the go ahead to end passport processing in Scotland at the cost of 114 jobs at the Glasgow passport office.

 The union vowed to campaign against the decision, which will see a quarter of the workforce go as part of a restructuring exercise and result in the Glasgow office stopping passport processing by the end of the year.

The union fears that further offices and jobs will be cut in the future.

However in response to PCS action and representations management have agreed a stay of execution and held off announcing further closures until after 2011.

The decision follows last week’s three day strike over office closures, draconian working practices and below inflation pay, which led to the disruption of the issuing of passports and the cancellation of appointments and interviews.

Today’s announcement will lead to a poorer service and mean an end to the processing of passport applications in Scotland.

Commenting, Mark Serwotka, PCS general secretary, said: “This news comes as a bitter blow to people who deliver a world class service. Today’s announcement will lead to a poorer service and mean an end to the processing of passport applications in Scotland.

"As last week’s industrial action demonstrated staff will not stand by and let the service they deliver suffer.

“With more office closures and job cuts in the pipeline, we believe resources are being diverted away from the passport service to implement the controversial and costly ID card scheme.

"Management and the government need to recognise the depth of anger amongst staff and think again before they unpick a top class public service.”