AGENCY workers at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) began a two-day walkout today in their fight for union recognition and against the changing of pay dates.

PCS members contracted by Interserve to clean the FCO’s Croydon offices began their strike in response to the company’s refusal to recognise PCS as a representative body.

The dispute also relates to the company’s imposition of payday changes from being weekly to monthly, which workers claim has seen some staff losing money.

Staff say the change has left workers having to wait six weeks for pay only to receive a month’s wages at the end of last month.

The loss of income has led to some taking out short-term loans and credit cards to pay the bills.

PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka singled out Tory leadership contender Jeremy Hunt for his handling of the dispute.

Mr Hunt, as foreign secretary, was responsible for overseeing the works contract being awarded to Interserve in August 2018.

Mr Serwotka said: “Our magnificent members are once again taking a stand against unscrupulous contractors who are refusing to recognise the union and who haven’t sorted out outstanding pay issues.

“Interserve have previously shown incompetence and neglect of their staff. Now they are simply being stubborn by not recognising PCS in the workplace.

“I urge Jeremy Hunt to intervene to resolve this dispute. His department awarded the contract to Interserve and is ultimately responsible for this situation.”