JOBCENTRES will face a “perfect storm for chaos” next week as security guards walk out in a long-running dispute over pay amid the early release of prisoners.

More than 1,500 guards are due to walk out from August 27.

G4S receives £250 million from Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) contracts for security roles.

But more than 90 per cent of the workers employed by the company are paid just the minimum wage.

A survey of workers showed that more than 80 per cent regularly suffer abuse, including being attacked by dogs, punched and struck with screwdrivers.

Workers fear that the early release of prisoners who often need jobcentre support could drastically increase these risks.

GMB national officer Eamon O’Hearn said: “Jobcentre security guards provide a vital service even in normal times — experiencing abuse routinely on the job.

“But with the increase in ex-cons being released early, we could see a perfect storm for chaos, abuse and disorder in jobcentres.

“Unless these workers are offered a fair pay deal, that reflects the risks inherent in their work, they will have no option to continue industrial action.”

The DWP was approached for comment.