CLEANERS and caterers on indefinite strike action at the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) were joined by outsourced colleagues who launched a two-week walkout yesterday.

Up to 100 outsourced staff at the department, including post room staff, security, porterage and receptionists have joined fellow workers on strike.

The PCS members are demanding a real living wage of £10.55 per hour. They promise further action if Business Secretary Andrea Leadsom can’t negotiate a compromise with the workers.

PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka said: “This escalation by our brave BEIS members underlines the determination they have to win the London Living Wage and union recognition.

“Ministers at BEIS and their private contractors should hang their heads in shame for not resolving this dispute.

“Our members will keep fighting tooth and nail until they win a just settlement and PCS will support them every step of the way.”