AGENCY workers at at the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) starting a five-day strike today have been hailed as heroic by PCS union leader Mark Serwotka.

Caterers and cleaners employed by subcontracting giants Aramark and ISS at the ministry are demanding they be paid the London living wage of £10.55 an hour.

The PCS members claim that bosses have repeatedly ignored their demands for a wage rise to address the increasing cost of living. They will also be joined on strike by porters and security staff at the department from Tuesday until Thursday.