JOBCENTRE security guards are to launch a 24-hour strike in a dispute over pay.

GMB said more than 1,000 of its members employed by G4S will walk out from midnight tonight, with further stoppages planned for later in the month.

A survey of GMB members found four out of five had experienced abuse in their jobs, including being attacked by dogs and punched by members of the public.

Many described daily verbal abuse, including threats to their families, racist abuse and death threats.

Further strikes will take place on May 13, 20, 28 and 29.

GMB national officer Eamon O’Hearn said: “G4S and the Department for Work and Pensions are happy to let guards scrape by on the minimum wage.

“Yet these shocking survey results really bring home the terrifying pressure these guards work under.”

“It’s not good enough — and for the first time guards are standing together to do something about it.”

A G4S spokesperson said it was disappointed by the decision and was continuing to “try to reach an amicable agreement.”