WORKERS in the Foreign Office announced they will take strike action after management failed to say they would protect their jobs during a major restructuring programme.

The Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) slammed the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) for failing to give staff the “basic assurance” that they won’t face compulsory redundancy.

PCS members working for the FCDO will walk out for four and a half days starting on Thursday, with later dates scheduled until the end of the month.

The PCS said it is resorting to strike action after the department did not meet its demands, including a guarantee against compulsory redundancies, meaningful consultation, updating their equality impact assessments, and compliance with civil redundancy procedures.

General secretary Fran Heathcote said the “FCDO management has left our members with no choice.

“It is unacceptable that a government department is pushing ahead with a major restructure while refusing to give workers the basic assurance that they will not be forced out of their jobs.”

She also pointed to the department’s lack of transparency on staffing levels, vacancies and the number of employees who remain at risk as a result of the restructuring, adding that workers “have been met with uncertainty and a refusal to provide the information needed to properly scrutinise these plans.

“The department could end this dispute today by doing the right thing: rule out compulsory redundancies and engage meaningfully with PCS.”

Members will take full-day strike action on July 16, 22, 29, and 30, and a half day on July 23. Pickets will take place in front of the FCDO buildings in Milton Keynes and London.

They will also take action short of strike from July 17 to 30.

The department was contacted for comment.