BEEFEATERS and other palace workers launched co-ordinated strike action today in an ongoing pensions row.

PCS and GMB members employed on various Historic Royal Palaces (HRP) sites walked out today for 48 hours.

The strike, which affected the Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace and Kensington Palace, comes as HRP’s management adjusted the workers’ pension scheme.

HRP intends to close the current pension scheme at the end of March this year, moving on to a defined contribution scheme.

The company claim that the current pension is too costly, despite the fact that HRP reported a record revenue of £100 million in 2017-18.

The workers are strongly opposing the move, claiming that they will be significantly worse off in retirement if they move to a defined contribution scheme.

PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka said: “This show of strength by HRP workers from both our union and the GMB will send a clear message to management that they must give their staff a decent pension in retirement.

“It is incumbent on HRP management to get round the table and negotiate properly with both unions to come to a fair deal.”

GMB regional organiser Michael Ainsley said: “The government must not be allowed to do a Pontius Pilate, washing its hands of this serious issue and standing idly by watching employers, particularly those they directly contract and who can clearly afford decent pensions, kick the can down the road for taxpayers to pick up the bill.”

Both unions have emphasised that they are still available for meaningful discussions.